The bill S. 808 aims to amend Section 16-7-10 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance protections for workers providing critical services during a state of emergency. It introduces new legal provisions that classify the harassment or threatening of these workers as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to thirty days in jail or a fine of up to five hundred dollars. Additionally, the bill establishes that assaulting or endangering a worker restoring critical services, as well as destroying, damaging, or tampering with an electric utility system, constitutes a felony, with penalties determined at the court's discretion.

Furthermore, the bill defines "critical services" to include essential utilities such as electric and gas services, water and sewer services, road and highway repair, and telecommunications services. The penalties outlined in this bill are cumulative and add to existing laws regarding price gouging and misleading practices during emergencies. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
01/14/2026: 16-7-10
Latest Version: 16-7-10