The bill H. 4722 seeks to amend Section 16-3-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the punishment for murder and the circumstances under which the death penalty may be imposed. The proposed changes introduce a series of additional statutory aggravating circumstances that would allow for the imposition of the death penalty. These new circumstances include, among others, murders committed during the commission of crimes such as criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, and drug trafficking, as well as murders of law enforcement officers, judicial officials, and vulnerable individuals, including children and pregnant women.

The bill also clarifies that the repeal or amendment of any law by this act does not affect any pending actions or rights that were established under the previous law. It ensures that all laws repealed or amended remain in effect for the purpose of sustaining any existing rights, duties, or liabilities. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor, and it includes a provision stating that if any part of the act is found to be unconstitutional, the remaining sections will still be valid.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 16-3-20
Latest Version: 16-3-20