The proposed bill, H. 5062, aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning criminal gang activity and introduces the "Anti-Racketeering Act." Key changes include revised definitions for "criminal gang," "criminal gang member," and "criminal gang activity," which broaden the range of offenses classified as gang-related. The bill establishes new penalties for unlawful activities associated with gangs, such as witness intimidation, and outlines the admissibility of evidence in trials related to gang activity. Additionally, it provides mechanisms for addressing public nuisances linked to properties used by criminal gangs and allows for civil actions against these gangs for damages.

The Anti-Racketeering Act within the bill defines critical terms like "enterprise," "pattern of racketeering activity," and "racketeering activity," making it illegal to engage in or conspire to commit such acts, with severe penalties for violations. It also expands the jurisdiction of state grand juries to include crimes related to both criminal gang activity and racketeering, enhancing their authority to tackle offenses across multiple counties. The bill ensures the protection of informant identities in civil actions and clarifies that any changes to existing laws will not impact pending actions or liabilities. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
01/29/2026: 16-8-230, 16-8-240, 16-8-245, 16-8-250, 16-8-275, 14-7-1630
Latest Version: 16-8-230, 16-8-240, 16-8-245, 16-8-250, 16-8-275, 14-7-1630