The bill S. 29 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to strengthen the definitions and penalties associated with the sexual exploitation of minors, particularly in relation to morphed images. It introduces new definitions for "identifiable minor," which refers to a minor recognizable in visual depictions, and "morphed image," defined as any altered visual representation suggesting a minor is engaged in sexual conduct. The bill expands the definitions of first, second, and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor to encompass morphed images of identifiable children, thereby broadening the scope of offenses.

Furthermore, the bill reclassifies individuals convicted of sexual exploitation of minors involving morphed images as Tier II offenders on the sex offender registry. It allows minors charged with such offenses to be adjudicated in family court and mandates behavioral health counseling. The legislation clarifies that a mistake of age is not a valid defense in these prosecutions. Additionally, it outlines the process for offenders to request termination of their registration requirements, stipulating specific criteria and a filing fee, while excluding Tier III offenders from eligibility. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure the remaining sections remain effective if any part is deemed unconstitutional.

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
02/05/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
02/06/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
02/12/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
02/25/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
04/30/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
05/01/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
05/02/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
05/06/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462
05/08/2025: 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