The bill S. 73 aims to enhance penalties for individuals convicted of offenses against educational professionals while they are performing their official duties. It introduces a new section, 16-3-605, to the South Carolina Code of Laws, defining "educational professional" as licensed teachers, principals, administrators, or other educational providers working on school grounds. Under this new provision, if a person is convicted of an offense as outlined in Section 16-3-600 against an educational professional, they could face an additional prison sentence of up to five years, which would be added to the punishment for the principal crime.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the court has the discretion to impose this additional sentence either consecutively or concurrently, and it cannot be suspended or result in probation. To impose the enhanced penalty, the indictment must specifically allege that the offense was committed against an educational professional acting in their official capacity, and the conviction must be based on this separate count. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 16-3-605, 16-3-600
Latest Version: 16-3-605, 16-3-600