The bill S. 734 proposes to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 9-1-110, which establishes that state employees convicted of crimes related to criminal sexual misconduct with minors or the possession or distribution of child sexual abuse materials will forfeit their retirement and health benefits associated with their state employment. This includes crimes involving artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material. If benefits are forfeited, the retirement system is required to refund the employee's contributions related to their service. Additionally, if a forfeited employee relocates to a state that does not border South Carolina, they may receive twenty-five percent of the lost benefits.

The bill defines "health benefits" as those provided through the employee insurance program and "retirement benefits" as those from any retirement system administered under the relevant title. It also clarifies that a "state employee" refers to any individual employed by the state. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/10/2025: 9-1-110
Latest Version: 9-1-110