SC S0235

Revises South Carolina's prostitution laws by creating separate penalty structures for prostituted persons, those who facilitate prostitution, and those who solicit prostituted persons

Provides affirmative defenses for individuals who were under duress, coerced, or trafficked into prostitution, and prohibits prosecution of minors who were trafficked or coerced

Establishes graduated penalties for prostituted persons: first offense up to $200 fine or 30 days; second offense up to $1,000 fine or 90 days; third offense up to $3,000 fine or minimum one year

Creates harsher penalties for facilitators and solicitors: first offense up to $1,000 fine or 60 days; second offense up to $3,000 fine or 180 days; third offense up to $10,000 fine or minimum five years

Adds new prohibited activities including sexual grooming, promoting prostitution on social media platforms, and recruiting or inducing persons into prostitution through various means