TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THE SAFE SCHOOLS CLIMATE ACT REGARDING HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, OR BULLYING.

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

SECTION    1.    Article 2, Chapter 63, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-63-160.    In addition to other penalties as may be provided by law pursuant to Article 7, Chapter 3, Title 16, a person who violates the provisions of this article with respect to harassment, intimidation, or bullying towards a student as defined in Section 59-63-120 and prohibited by Section 59-63-130(A) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year."

SECTION    2.    The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.