Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

As Passed By The Senate

April 29, 2026

 

S. 270

 

Introduced by Senators Alexander, Hembree, Adams, Goldfinch, Walker, Garrett and Zell

 

S. Printed 4/29/26--S.                                                                           [SEC 5/6/2026 11:06 AM]

Read the first time January 28, 2025

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-29, RELATING TO ATTEMPTED MURDER, SO AS TO DEFINE ATTEMPTED MURDER AS COMMITTING AN UNLAWFUL ACT OF A VIOLENT NATURE THAT CAUSES INJURY TO ANOTHER WITH MALICE.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 16-3-29 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 16-3-29. (A)  A person who, with intent to kill, attempts to kill another person with malice aforethought, either expressed or implied, commits the offense of attempted murder. ,A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than thirty years. A sentence imposed pursuant to this section may not be suspended nor may probation be granted.  It is unlawful for a person to knowingly, unlawfully and deliberately or with reckless disregard for life attempt to kill another person unless it is in defense of that person's own property or the life of himself or another as provided in Title 16, Chapter 11, Article 6. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of attempted murder in the first degree, a felony, and must be imprisoned for not less than five years nor more than thirty years.

    (B) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly, unlawfully and deliberately or with reckless disregard for life discharge or cause to be discharged a firearm at a group, crowd, or other location where one or more persons are reasonably expected to be present, unless it is in defense of that person's own property or the life of himself or another as provided in Title 16, Chapter 11, Article 6. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of attempted murder in the second degree, a felony, and must be imprisoned for not less than three years nor more than twenty years.

    (C) The provisions of this act are intended to occupy the field addressed herein. To the extent that any rule, doctrine, or principle of the common law conflicts with the provisions of this act, the common law is hereby abrogated and superseded.

 

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

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