The bill H. 4522 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 16-15-420, which establishes the offense of sexual grooming of a minor. This new section defines key terms such as "actor," "communication," "harmful to minors," "minor," "pattern of conduct or communication," "sexual activity," and "sexually explicit nudity," all referencing existing definitions in Section 16-15-375. Under this legislation, 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 that are harmful to minors will be guilty of a felony.

The penalties for violating this section include a fine of up to five thousand dollars or imprisonment for a maximum of five years. Additionally, the bill specifies that a mistake of age is not a valid defense in prosecutions under this law. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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