H 5470 Session 125 (2023-2024) H 5470 General Bill, By Pope, Guffey, Lawson, M.M. Smith, T. Moore, B.L. Cox, Forrest, Sessions, Gilliam, Mitchell, B. Newton, B.J. Cox and Moss
A bill
TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PROHIBITIONS, SO AS TO CREATE CRIMINAL PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTENTIONAL OR UNINTENTIONAL EXPOSURE OF FIRST RESPONDERS TO FENTANYL OR FENTANYL-RELATED SUBSTANCES IN THE COURSE OF PERFORMING OFFICIAL DUTIES, WITH EXCEPTIONS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Section 44-53-370 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
(h)(1) A person eighteen years of age or
older who, in the course of unlawfully possessing fentanyl or fentanyl-related
substances, exposes a first responder (2)
It is a defense to a violation of this item that a (3) For purposes of this item, (a) "Fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances" means fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance as described in Section 44-53-190 or 44-53-210. (b) "Expose or exposure" means to cause, either intentionally or unintentionally, any of the following including, but not limited to, ingestion, inhalation, needlestick injury, or absorption through skin or mucous membranes. (c)
" (d) "Overdose or serious bodily injury" means drug toxicity or a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death or substantial loss of impairment of the function of any bodily part or organ.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. ----XX---- This web page was last updated on April 24, 2024 at 11:34 AM |