A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-90 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SLED EXECUTIVE PROTECTION UNIT," TO PROVIDE ITS JURISDICTION, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
H3913 creates a new “SLED Executive Protection Unit” within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to provide security and transportation for designated state and visiting officials. The bill specifically assigns the unit responsibility for protecting the Governor, the first lady, the Governor’s minor children, and the Lieutenant Governor, and it also authorizes SLED, with approval from the SLED Chief, to extend protective services to certain visiting governors, legislative leaders from other states, federal elected officials, and some executive branch appointees when the visit serves a significant public purpose or when security concerns warrant protection.
The bill defines “restricted buildings or grounds” and “special event of state significance,” and it creates criminal offenses for unauthorized entry, disruptive conduct, obstruction of movement, refusal to comply with protective orders, and acts of physical violence in those restricted areas. It also establishes enhanced penalties when a violation involves a deadly weapon or causes great bodily injury, making those offenses felonies punishable by up to five years in prison, while other violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to three years. The act would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
If enacted, the bill would add a new section to Title 23 of the South Carolina Code and expand SLED’s statutory authority to provide executive protection, coordinate transportation, and request assistance from other law enforcement agencies. It would also create new criminal penalties tied to conduct in restricted areas associated with protected persons or special events, affecting protest activity, access to secured locations, and law enforcement enforcement powers around state functions and dignitary visits.
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and security bill, with an emphasis on protecting high-level officials and maintaining order during official functions and major events.
The main points of potential contention are the scope of the new restricted-area offenses and the breadth of SLED’s authority to secure not only state officials but also certain visiting officials from other jurisdictions. Critics could focus on how the bill may affect access, protest activity, and expressive conduct near protected sites, while supporters would likely emphasize the need for stronger security, coordination among agencies, and clear penalties for interference with protective operations.