South Carolina committee debates age restrictions on hemp sales and proposes fentanyl homicide legislation
March 25, 2025 | Judiciary, Standing, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, South Carolina
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During a recent meeting of the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee on March 25, 2025, lawmakers engaged in significant discussions regarding the regulation of consumable hemp products and the introduction of a new bill addressing fentanyl-induced homicide.
One of the primary topics was the proposed legislation aimed at clarifying the legal status of various hemp products, particularly concerning age restrictions. Committee members expressed concerns that the current wording of the bill could allow individuals under 21 to purchase certain hemp products, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Lawmakers emphasized the need for amendments to ensure that these products remain inaccessible to minors, aligning the regulations more closely with existing alcohol laws, which prohibit sales to individuals under 21. The committee agreed to revisit the language of the bill to eliminate ambiguities and better protect young people from potential harm.
In a related discussion, Representative Bamberg raised questions about the inconsistencies in age-related laws, particularly comparing the legal age for purchasing firearms and hemp products. He suggested that the state sends mixed messages regarding maturity and responsibility, prompting a broader conversation about age restrictions in legislation.
The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 156, which proposes a new crime of fentanyl-induced homicide. This bill aims to hold individuals accountable for providing fentanyl that leads to another person's death, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison. Amendments were made to refine the language, shifting the standard from "proximate cause" to "direct cause," which would require a clearer link between the drug and the death. This change aims to ensure that the law effectively targets drug traffickers rather than individuals in less severe situations.
Finally, the committee unanimously passed House Bill 3731, which removes a sunset provision from a previously approved bill allowing special purpose districts to sell property. This decision reflects the committee's commitment to streamline regulations and support local governance.
As these discussions unfold, the committee's actions highlight a proactive approach to addressing public health and safety concerns in South Carolina, particularly regarding youth protection and the ongoing opioid crisis. The next steps will involve further refinement of the hemp product regulations and continued deliberation on the fentanyl legislation to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.
One of the primary topics was the proposed legislation aimed at clarifying the legal status of various hemp products, particularly concerning age restrictions. Committee members expressed concerns that the current wording of the bill could allow individuals under 21 to purchase certain hemp products, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Lawmakers emphasized the need for amendments to ensure that these products remain inaccessible to minors, aligning the regulations more closely with existing alcohol laws, which prohibit sales to individuals under 21. The committee agreed to revisit the language of the bill to eliminate ambiguities and better protect young people from potential harm.
In a related discussion, Representative Bamberg raised questions about the inconsistencies in age-related laws, particularly comparing the legal age for purchasing firearms and hemp products. He suggested that the state sends mixed messages regarding maturity and responsibility, prompting a broader conversation about age restrictions in legislation.
The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 156, which proposes a new crime of fentanyl-induced homicide. This bill aims to hold individuals accountable for providing fentanyl that leads to another person's death, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison. Amendments were made to refine the language, shifting the standard from "proximate cause" to "direct cause," which would require a clearer link between the drug and the death. This change aims to ensure that the law effectively targets drug traffickers rather than individuals in less severe situations.
Finally, the committee unanimously passed House Bill 3731, which removes a sunset provision from a previously approved bill allowing special purpose districts to sell property. This decision reflects the committee's commitment to streamline regulations and support local governance.
As these discussions unfold, the committee's actions highlight a proactive approach to addressing public health and safety concerns in South Carolina, particularly regarding youth protection and the ongoing opioid crisis. The next steps will involve further refinement of the hemp product regulations and continued deliberation on the fentanyl legislation to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.
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