SC S0588

Creates the new felony offense of "coercive control" when a person repeatedly engages in coercive or controlling behavior toward someone they are personally connected to, causing the victim to fear violence on at least two occasions or experience substantial mental distress affecting daily activities

Defines "personally connected" as persons in current or former intimate relationships, or household members as defined under existing domestic violence law

Lists prohibited behaviors including isolating victims from support networks, monitoring via spyware, controlling finances, depriving basic needs, enforcing humiliating rules, threats to hurt/kill, assault, rape, and preventing access to work or transportation

Specifies acceptable evidence types including emails, text messages, 911 tapes, body camera footage, medical records, bank records showing financial control, witness testimony, and photographs of injuries

Punishable by up to $10,000 fine and/or up to 10 years imprisonment; exempts actions taken under legal authority (power of attorney, guardianship, parental control of minors) if objectively reasonable and not causing fear of violence