New Laws Affecting Children
During the 2005-2006 South Carolina General Assembly several laws were passed relating to children. One of these new statutes relates to juvenile justice and another to education. To access the full text of each Act, and to get more information on other statutes affecting children, visit the Children's Law Office website.
Juvenile Justice
POSSESSION OF TOBACCO BY MINORS (Effective Date: August 21, 2006)
Act 231 added several provisions to Section 16-7-500, regarding sales and possession of tobacco by minors. Most notably, effective August 21, 2006, it is unlawful for a minor under eighteen to purchase, possess, attempt to purchase or possess, or present fraudulent identification for the purpose of purchasing or possessing a tobacco product.
This is a noncriminal offense and is subject to a civil fine, or the minor may be ordered to perform community service or attend a program on how to stop smoking. Failure to comply with a court order regarding these penalties may result in the delay or restriction of the minor's driving privileges.
SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATE ACT (Effective Date June 12, 2006)
The Safe School Climate Act was enacted to prevent school harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students. The Act requires any school employee, student, or volunteer who has reliable information that a student has been subject to harassment, intimidation, or bullying to report the incident to an appropriate school official.
