The bill S. 631 aims to amend Section 23-3-535 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to impose new residency restrictions on certain sex offenders. Specifically, it makes it unlawful for a sex offender to reside within one thousand feet of a school, daycare center, children's recreational facility, park, school bus stop, or public playground. The bill also clarifies that owners or renters of properties affected by these restrictions will not be required to relocate if they owned or rented the property before the bill's effective date.

Additionally, the bill outlines the penalties for sex offenders who violate these residency restrictions, with increasing severity for repeat offenses. Local law enforcement agencies are tasked with notifying offenders of violations and providing them with a list of prohibited areas. Furthermore, school districts are required to inform local law enforcement of school bus stop locations and to communicate the presence of nearby sex offenders to parents or guardians. The bill emphasizes that local governments cannot impose stricter penalties or alter the designated residency boundaries established by this legislation.

Statutes affected:
05/01/2025: 23-3-535
Latest Version: 23-3-535