The bill S. 235 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding prostitution by revising existing statutes to enhance penalties and clarify prohibitions. Specifically, it amends Section 16-15-90 to make it unlawful for a prostituted person to engage in prostitution and increases the penalties for violations. Additionally, Section 16-15-100 is revised to prohibit actions related to soliciting customers for a prostituted person, with increased penalties for such violations. The bill also amends Section 16-15-110 to prohibit solicitation of a prostituted person, establishing a felony charge with a maximum imprisonment of five years for violators.

The amendments include the insertion of new definitions and prohibitions, such as the inclusion of "sexual grooming" and the prohibition of promoting or advertising prostitution on public media platforms. The bill maintains an affirmative defense for individuals who were coerced or trafficked into prostitution and exempts minors from prosecution under these statutes. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding prostitution in South Carolina, focusing on both the individuals engaged in prostitution and those who facilitate or solicit such activities.

Statutes affected:
01/16/2025: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110
03/03/2025: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110
03/12/2025: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110
03/13/2025: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110
03/17/2025: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110
03/25/2025: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110
03/28/2025: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110
Latest Version: 16-15-90, 16-15-100, 16-15-110