H 4224 General Bill, By King
 A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 18
 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16 SO AS TO PROVIDE ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR A PERSON
 CONVICTED OF A CRIME CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER WITH THE INTENT TO ASSAULT,
 INTIMIDATE, OR THREATEN A PERSON BECAUSE OF HIS RACE, RELIGION, OR SEXUAL
 ORIENTATION.

   12/01/09  House  Prefiled
   12/01/09  House  Referred to Committee on Judiciary
   01/12/10  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-35
   01/12/10  House  Referred to Committee on Judiciary HJ-35

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 18 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16 SO AS TO PROVIDE ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR A PERSON CONVICTED OF A CRIME CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER WITH THE INTENT TO ASSAULT, INTIMIDATE, OR THREATEN A PERSON BECAUSE OF HIS RACE, RELIGION, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Chapter 3, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 18

Section 16-3-1910.    A person who commits an offense contained in this chapter with the intent to assault, intimidate, or threaten a person because of his race, religion, or sexual orientation is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars, or imprisoned not less than two years nor more than fifteen years, or both. Two thousand dollars of a fine and two years of a sentence imposed pursuant to the provisions of this article may not be suspended. For purposes of this section, 'sexual orientation' means a person's actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity or expression."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.