The bill S. 924 aims to amend Section 23-3-555 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to internet reporting requirements and penalties for individuals registered on the sex offender registry. The proposed changes establish that as a condition of probation or parole, individuals convicted of a crime requiring registration must use their name as it appears on the registry when accessing social networking websites, communicating for the purpose of promoting sexual relations, or using dating applications. This requirement is in addition to existing prohibitions against using the internet to communicate with minors or promote sexual relations with them.

Furthermore, the bill outlines penalties for violations of these conditions. A first offense for violating the prohibition against internet use related to minors is classified as a misdemeanor, with potential fines up to $2,500 or imprisonment for up to three years. Subsequent offenses escalate to felony charges. For violations of the new requirement to use the registered name online, a first offense is also a misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, while repeat offenses can incur fines up to $2,500 or three years of imprisonment. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/12/2026: 23-3-555
Latest Version: 23-3-555