The bill H. 4804 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the penalties for sexual exploitation of minors. Specifically, it proposes to increase the minimum penalties for first degree sexual exploitation from three to five years of imprisonment, and for second degree sexual exploitation from two to three years. Additionally, the bill introduces a structured penalty system for third degree sexual exploitation based on the number of images possessed, with penalties ranging from two to ten years depending on the quantity of images. It also mandates that individuals required to register as sex offenders who violate these provisions must serve a minimum of five years upon conviction.

The bill includes several amendments to existing sections, such as Section 16-15-395, which now stipulates that a person convicted of first degree sexual exploitation must serve a minimum of five years, and Section 16-15-405, which raises the minimum penalty for second degree sexual exploitation to three years. Furthermore, Section 16-15-410 establishes specific penalties for third degree sexual exploitation based on the number of images, with a maximum of ten years for possessing one to twenty-five images. The bill also clarifies that mistake of age is not a defense in prosecutions under these sections and maintains provisions for minors charged under these laws to be adjudicated in family court.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410
Latest Version: 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410