The South Carolina House of Representatives on March 4, 2025 gave second reading to a bill that would expand criminal penalties for knowingly discharging a firearm into a dwelling, a vehicle or a boat.

The measure, discussed on the House floor during the second-reading debate, would add the words “knowingly and intentionally” to the existing offense and raise the maximum fine for discharging a firearm into a dwelling or conveyance to $20,000 and up to 10 years in prison. If the discharge causes bodily injury, the bill would raise the maximum penalty to a $50,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison.

Supporters said the change is intended to target deliberate, violent conduct rather than accidental discharges and to strengthen penalties where current law is outdated. “The purpose of this bill also is to make sure it’s knowingly and intentionally,” Representative Jeff Johnson said on the floor.

During questions, Representative Kirby asked how the bill would apply to minors. Johnson responded that, because the proposed offense would be treated as a more serious violent offense, defendants likely would not qualify for diversion programs that might otherwise be available. “I don’t think they would be entitled to . . . some type of diversion program,” Johnson said, adding that the bill is intended to distinguish intentional acts from accidents.

The House recorded the bill’s second reading and advanced it in the legislative process. No changes to the bill text beyond the matters described were recorded in debate on the floor that day.

The bill was discussed during the Judiciary committee’s favorable report and on the House floor; its next procedural steps will follow normal House rules for bills at second reading.