The proposed bill aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws to prohibit life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for individuals under the age of eighteen at the time of their offense. Specifically, it introduces Section 16-3-15, which states that no person under eighteen can be sentenced to death or life imprisonment, and Section 17-25-35, which prohibits life sentences without parole for minors. Additionally, the bill establishes maximum sentences for juvenile offenders, allowing for parole eligibility after twenty years for non-homicidal offenses and twenty-five years for offenses involving death. The bill also includes provisions for representation by counsel for juveniles seeking parole and outlines factors for consideration by the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that solitary confinement and other harsh punitive measures are not applied to individuals under eighteen. It adds Section 63-19-1690, which restricts the use of mechanical or chemical restraints and isolation for juvenile offenders, and modifies Section 17-25-20 to prohibit solitary confinement for minors. The bill also clarifies the definition of "no parole offense" in Section 24-13-100, ensuring that offenses committed by individuals under eighteen are not classified as such. Overall, the legislation seeks to reform the treatment of juvenile offenders in South Carolina, emphasizing rehabilitation over punitive measures.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 16-3-15, 17-25-35, 17-25-45, 63-19-1690, 16-11-311, 17-25-20, 24-13-100
Latest Version: 16-3-15, 17-25-35, 17-25-45, 63-19-1690, 16-11-311, 17-25-20, 24-13-100