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Senate debates bill targeting morphed and AI-generated sexual images of minors; amendment to remove mandatory minimums tabled
Summary
The South Carolina Senate debated S.28, a bill to criminalize morphed and AI-generated sexual depictions of minors. An amendment to remove a two‑year mandatory minimum for certain offenses was defeated by a 27‑12 roll call; the measure was later advanced to second reading by voice and a 39‑0 roll call.
The South Carolina Senate spent an extended period debating S.28, legislation that would create criminal penalties for creating, distributing or possessing certain morphed or AI-generated sexual depictions of minors.
The debate centered on sentencing structure and how to treat different levels of culpability. A floor amendment (amendment 4A) offered by the senator from Williamsburg would have removed the bill’s two‑year mandatory minimum sentence for some covered offenses and left greater discretion to judges. The amendment was tabled on a roll call vote of 27 to 12 after senators debated the balance between judicial discretion and a statutory minimum meant to deter and punish serious offenders.
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