South Carolina · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
H 5065: Enhanced Punishment for Crimes Against Minors
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
H 5065 is a bill introduced in the South Carolina House on January 29, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Enhanced Punishment for Crimes Against Minors. Primary sponsor: Kathy Landing (Republican), Joe Bustos (Republican), James Teeple (Republican), Tom Hartnett (Republican), Mark Smith (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 4, 2026): Member(s) request name added as sponsor: M.M.Smith.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SENTENCING ENHANCEMENTS FOR CRIMES AGAINST MINORS ACT"; BY ADDING ARTICLE 22 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16 SO AS TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF CRIMES AGAINST MINORS AND TO PROHIBIT THE AVOIDANCE OR REDUCTION OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF CRIMES AGAINST MINORS DUE TO A VERDICT OR PLEA OF NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 5
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathy Landing | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 80 |
| Joe Bustos | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 112 |
| James Teeple | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 116 |
| Tom Hartnett | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 110 |
| Mark Smith | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 99 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Member(s) request name added as sponsor: M.M.Smith
- Referred to Committee on Judiciary
- Introduced and read first time