The bill H. 4522 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by introducing a new offense called "sexual grooming of a minor." This new section, 16-15-420, defines key terms such as "actor," "communication," "harmful to minors," "minor," "pattern of conduct or communication," "sexual activity," and "sexually explicit nudity," all of which are referenced from existing law. The bill specifies that an actor, defined as a person aged eighteen or older, who engages in a pattern of conduct or communication that includes explicit descriptions of sexual activity or representations of sexually explicit nudity directed at a minor, commits the offense of sexual grooming.

The penalties for this offense are significant, as a conviction would result in a felony charge, with potential fines of up to five thousand dollars or imprisonment for a maximum of five years. Additionally, the bill states that a mistake of age is not a valid defense in such prosecutions. The act is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
05/06/2025: 16-15-420
Latest Version: 16-15-420