Bill S. 29 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance protections for minors against sexual exploitation and harmful material dissemination. It introduces new definitions for "identifiable minor" and "morphed image," expanding the scope of sexual exploitation offenses to include morphed images of identifiable children. The bill reclassifies individuals convicted of first, second, or third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor as Tier II offenders on the sex offender registry, while also ensuring that minors adjudicated for offenses related to morphed images are not required to register. The legislation establishes significant penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for felonies, and allows for family court intervention for minors charged with misdemeanors.

Additionally, the bill outlines a process for offenders to request termination of their registration requirements after a specified minimum period, contingent upon meeting certain criteria, such as completing treatment programs and having no recent convictions. It specifies that Tier III offenders are ineligible for this request and establishes a filing fee of up to $250. The bill also includes a provision to maintain the enforceability of remaining sections if any part is deemed unconstitutional or invalid, and it will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
01/15/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
01/21/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
Latest Version: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462