South Carolina bill H4804 amends laws on sexual exploitation of minors, increasing penalties and clarifying definitions.

The bill amends South Carolina's sexual exploitation of minors laws by increasing penalties and clarifying definitions. It raises the minimum penalty for first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor to five years and adjusts penalties for second and third-degree offenses based on the number of images possessed. Mistake of age is not a defense, and certain law enforcement employees are exempt from prosecution. The bill also specifies that sentences must run consecutively with any other sentences being served. The changes take effect upon approval by the Governor.

South Carolina bill H4804 amends laws on sexual exploitation of minors, increasing penalties and clarifying definitions.

The bill amends South Carolina's sexual exploitation of minors laws by increasing penalties and clarifying definitions. It raises the minimum penalty for first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor to five years and adjusts penalties for second and third-degree offenses based on the number of images possessed. Mistake of age is not a defense, and certain law enforcement employees are exempt from prosecution. The bill also specifies that sentences must run consecutively with any other sentences being served. The changes take effect upon approval by the Governor.