The bill S. 76 seeks to enhance South Carolina's legal framework concerning criminal gangs and racketeering by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It establishes clear definitions for terms related to criminal gangs, such as "criminal gang activity" and "criminal gang member," and introduces penalties for unlawful gang-related activities. The bill also allows for the admissibility of evidence regarding criminal gang activity in trials, including the use of prior convictions of gang members. Additionally, it provides mechanisms to address public nuisances caused by gang activities and increases penalties for threats or violence used to coerce individuals into gang participation.

Moreover, S. 76 introduces an Anti-Racketeering Act that defines key terms and outlines penalties for engaging in racketeering activities, including mandatory prison sentences and fines based on the financial gains from such violations. The bill permits civil actions against individuals involved in racketeering, allowing victims to seek treble damages and attorney's fees. It also empowers the circuit court to issue injunctions against violators and clarifies the jurisdiction of state grand juries in cases related to gang activity and racketeering. The legislation emphasizes the protection of informants and the rights of innocent individuals, aiming to create a more robust legal framework to combat organized crime in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 16-8-230, 16-8-240, 16-8-245, 16-8-250, 16-8-275, 16-8-520, 16-8-530, 16-8-540, 16-8-550, 16-8-560, 16-8-570, 14-7-1630
01/17/2025: 16-8-230, 16-8-240, 16-8-245, 16-8-250, 16-8-275, 16-8-520, 16-8-530, 16-8-540, 16-8-550, 16-8-560, 16-8-570, 14-7-1630
03/26/2025: 16-8-230, 16-8-240, 16-8-245, 16-8-250, 16-8-275, 16-8-520, 16-8-530, 16-8-540, 16-8-550, 16-8-560, 16-8-570, 14-7-1630
03/28/2025: 16-8-230, 16-8-240, 16-8-245, 16-8-250, 16-8-275, 16-8-520, 16-8-530, 16-8-540, 16-8-550, 16-8-560, 16-8-570, 14-7-1630
Latest Version: 16-8-230, 16-8-240, 16-8-245, 16-8-250, 16-8-275, 16-8-520, 16-8-530, 16-8-540, 16-8-550, 16-8-560, 16-8-570, 14-7-1630