S.0099

Enhances penalties for violent crimes and assault by mob if the victim was targeted due to specific beliefs or perceptions.

This bill amends the South Carolina Code to add penalties for violent crimes and assault by mob when the victim was targeted due to the perpetrator's beliefs or perceptions about the victim's race, color, religion, sex, gender, national orientation, or physical or mental disability. The court must allow evidence on whether the crime was motivated by these factors. If found guilty, the offender faces an additional fine of up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison. The definition of "sex" conforms to the Bostock v. Clayton County decision.