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 emphasizes the seriousness of such actions and aligns them with other violent offenses.

Additionally, the bill proposes changes to Section 16-23-440, establishing a tiered penalty structure for the unlawful discharge of firearms. Under the new provisions, individuals found guilty of discharging firearms into occupied structures or vehicles face increased fines and imprisonment terms, with penalties escalating if any occupant is struck or injured as a result of the discharge. Specifically, the fines could reach up to $50,000, and imprisonment could extend to 15 years for serious offenses. The bill is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 16-1-60, 16-23-440
02/26/2025: 16-1-60, 16-23-440
04/16/2025: 16-1-60, 16-23-440
Latest Version: 16-1-60, 16-23-440