The bill H. 3650 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding the offense of discharging firearms at or into various structures, including dwellings, vehicles, and other conveyances, to the list of violent crimes defined in Section 16-1-60. This inclusion signifies a recognition of the severity of such actions and aligns them with other serious offenses. Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to Section 16-23-440, which outlines the penalties for discharging firearms unlawfully.

The revised penalties create a tiered structure, significantly increasing the fines and potential prison sentences for offenders. Under the new provisions, individuals found guilty of discharging firearms into occupied structures could face fines of up to twenty thousand dollars and imprisonment for up to ten years, with harsher penalties of fifty thousand dollars and up to fifteen years if bodily injury occurs. This legislative change reflects a commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing gun violence more effectively in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 16-1-60, 16-23-440
Latest Version: 16-1-60, 16-23-440