The bill S. 76 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance the legal framework addressing criminal gang activity and racketeering. It introduces clearer definitions for terms such as "criminal gang," "criminal gang member," and "criminal gang activity," and establishes new provisions regarding the admissibility of evidence in trials related to gang activities. The legislation also outlines penalties for unlawful actions by gang members, including intimidation and violence, and allows for legal action against properties used for criminal gang activities, designating them as public nuisances.

Additionally, the bill expands the jurisdiction of the state grand jury to include racketeering offenses and introduces civil remedies for victims of gang-related coercion or violence. It criminalizes conspiracy to engage in racketeering and sets forth penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The legislation allows individuals harmed by racketeering to seek damages and attorney's fees, and it clarifies that a criminal conviction will prevent the defendant from contesting the same issues in subsequent civil actions. Overall, S. 76 aims to strengthen South Carolina's ability to combat gang-related crime and protect communities from organized criminal activity.

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
01/21/2026: 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
01/26/2026: 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
01/21/2026-A: 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