The bill H. 4262 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 44-1-175, which prohibits healthcare professionals in the state from administering synthetic mRNA-based gene therapies. The bill outlines specific definitions for synthetic mRNA-based gene therapies and clarifies that the prohibition does not apply to certain treatments, including those for noninfectious diseases, traditional vaccines, and FDA-authorized genetic therapies that do not utilize synthetic mRNA technology. The bill is motivated by concerns regarding the safety and long-term effects of synthetic mRNA therapies, citing potential risks such as contamination, inadequate consent, and unknown public health threats.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for healthcare professionals who violate this prohibition, including a mandatory suspension of their license for at least one year, with the possibility of further penalties at the discretion of the licensing board. Each licensing board is required to report violations to the Director of the Department of Public Health, who will maintain records for a minimum of seven years and provide annual updates to the General Assembly regarding the nature and number of violations. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
03/27/2025: 44-1-175
Latest Version: 44-1-175