COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina has expanded its Homicide by Child Abuse law to include victims under the age of 18, closing a gap in state law that previously limited the offense to cases involving children age 11 and younger.
Governor Henry McMaster signed Senate Bill 405 into law on March 9, 2026. A ceremonial bill signing was held October 22 at the South Carolina Statehouse, attended by legislators, law enforcement officials and prosecutors.
Under the previous statute, cases involving abuse or neglect resulting in the death of a child older than 11 had to be prosecuted under murder laws or other applicable criminal statutes.
The revised law allows homicide by child abuse charges in qualifying cases involving children of any age under 18.
Seventh Judicial Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette praised lawmakers for addressing the gap, calling the legislation an important step toward protecting vulnerable children.
The ceremony included several state lawmakers and solicitors representing judicial circuits across South Carolina.
Source: Office of Seventh Judicial Circuit Solicitor Barry J. Barnette, October 23, 2026.
South Carolina has expanded its Homicide by Child Abuse law to cover all children under 18, closing a legal gap that previously excluded victims ages 12 through 17.
The legislation was signed into law in March, with state leaders gathering for a ceremonial signing in October.
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