S 0405 by Alexander
S 0405
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends South Carolina law to broaden the definition of homicide by child abuse. Currently, it applies to individuals who cause the death of a child under the age of eleven while committing child abuse or neglect. This bill expands that age range to include children under the age of eighteen, effectively increasing the potential penalties for offenses involving child abuse and resulting death.
Key provisions
- Increases the age of a child covered under the definition of homicide by child abuse from under 11 to under 18.
- Expands the definition of ‘child abuse or neglect’ to include a broader range of harmful acts or omissions.
- Clarifies that ‘harm’ to a child includes physical injury from corporal punishment, failure to provide adequate care, and abandonment.
- Adjusts the potential prison sentences for convictions of homicide by child abuse based on the age of the child at the time of death.
- Specifies that a defendant’s history of child abuse or neglect can be considered as an aggravating circumstance during sentencing.
Who is affected
- Parents and caregivers of children
- Individuals accused of child abuse or neglect
- The judicial system
- Victims of child abuse and neglect
Notable changes
- Expands the age range for homicide by child abuse to include children under 18.
Bill text
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