The "South Carolina Street Gang and Criminal Enterprise Prevention and Anti-Racketeering Act" seeks to strengthen the state's legal framework for combating criminal gang activities and racketeering. The bill amends Article 3 of Chapter 8, Title 16 of the South Carolina Code of Laws by revising definitions, restructuring offenses and penalties, and introducing new anti-racketeering provisions. Key features include enhanced penalties for gang members who use violence or threats for recruitment, civil remedies for victims of gang-related coercion, and specific offenses related to gang activity such as recruitment and threats against witnesses. The legislation also allows for the seizure of assets linked to gang activities and establishes a civil cause of action for the state and local governments against criminal gangs for damages incurred.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a statewide criminal gang database to facilitate information sharing among law enforcement and introduces a Community Safety Anti-Gang Matching Grants program to support local initiatives aimed at preventing youth idleness and intervening with at-risk youth. It expands the definition of "racketeering activity" to include various violations and establishes that engaging in such activities is a felony, with penalties including mandatory prison time and fines. The bill also outlines civil forfeiture procedures for property involved in racketeering and emphasizes the interconnectedness of its provisions to effectively address street gang and criminal enterprise prevention. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to combat gang-related crime while providing resources for community safety initiatives.