TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-23-550 SO AS TO CREATE TWO FIREARMS OFFENSES INVOLVING THE ENDANGERMENT OF CHILDREN UNDER CERTAIN AGES, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO DEFINE THE TERM "ADULT".

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

SECTION    1.    Article 5, Chapter 23, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 16-23-550.    (A)    It is unlawful for a person to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of a child under the age of fourteen. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(B)    It is unlawful for a person knowingly to authorize a child under the age of twelve to use a firearm except when the child is under the supervision of an adult. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. For purposes of this subsection, 'adult' means a parent, guardian, person standing in loco parentis to the child, or a person twenty-one years or over who has the permission of the parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to supervise the child in the use of a firearm."

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