H4522

South Carolina H4522 creates the offense of sexual grooming of a minor, defining it as a pattern of conduct or communication harmful to minors.

South Carolina H4522 amends the state code to establish the offense of sexual grooming of a minor. It defines "actor" as a person eighteen years of age or older and "minor" as someone under eighteen. The bill specifies that a pattern of conduct or communication harmful to minors constitutes sexual grooming. Engaging in explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or representations of sexually explicit nudity to a minor is also considered sexual grooming. Violators face felony charges, with penalties including fines up to five thousand dollars and imprisonment for up to five years.