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. If a person is convicted of an offense under Section 16-3-600 against an educational professional, they may face an additional imprisonment of up to five years, which can be served consecutively or concurrently with the original sentence.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that this enhanced penalty cannot be suspended or subject to probation. To impose the additional punishment, 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 will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

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