The bill S. 747 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by introducing graduated penalties for individuals convicted of certain second or third or subsequent trespassing offenses. Specifically, it adds Section 16-11-645, which stipulates that a person committing a second offense under specified sections of the law will be guilty of a misdemeanor, facing a fine of up to $750 or imprisonment for up to 60 days. For third or subsequent offenses, the penalties increase to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to 90 days. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these offenses can be tried in magistrates court and defines a prior conviction as one occurring within five years of the current offense.

The bill also includes a provision ensuring that the repeal or amendment of any law does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities that were established under the previous law. This means that any ongoing legal matters will continue to be governed by the laws in effect prior to the amendment unless explicitly stated otherwise. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/10/2025: 16-11-645
Latest Version: 16-11-645