As of July 1, 2025, a wide array of South Carolina laws officially went into effect, impacting everything from privacy policy to utility providers, criminal justice, and more. Passed by the General Assembly, these laws aim to strengthen public safety, protect personal information, address interest-based advertising, regulate revenge porn, and provide better oversight of data centers.
If you’re a resident or business owner in South Carolina, these changes affect you. At Ted Law Firm, we break down these updates so you can stay informed, remain compliant, and protect your legal rights.
Bond Reform and Repeat Offenders
The General Assembly has introduced tougher bond conditions for repeat violent offenders, especially those involved in firearm crimes. Now, securing release on bail is far more difficult, and judges must give greater consideration to public safety.
Fentanyl Trafficking Crackdown
Legislation passed this session establishes mandatory minimums for fentanyl possession. These changes target opioid traffickers who flood South Carolina communities with dangerous drugs. If you are charged under these stricter laws, a knowledgeable legal team is vital.
New State Privacy Laws Take Effect
One of the most impactful changes in South Carolina is the adoption of new State Privacy Laws, closely modeled after national frameworks like the California Consumer Privacy Act, California Privacy Rights Act, and Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act. These laws redefine how businesses collect, store, and use personal information.
Highlights:
- Consumers can now opt out of interest-based ads and targeted advertising.
- Websites must include a toggle switch or interface on their privacy policy pages for users to manage preferences.
- Users may demand that companies delete or restrict access to their personal information.
- Violations can result in significant financial penalties.
For example, if you’re running an online business in South Carolina, your website must support features like opt out controls and reflect clear, accessible privacy policy language.
Artificial Intelligence and Computer-Generated Technology Laws
As technology evolves, South Carolina has passed strict rules targeting digitally forged intimate images, also known as AI-generated revenge porn. Under this law:
- Sharing or creating intimate images using artificial intelligence without consent is now a felony.
- Victims have legal rights to sue for damages.
- Platforms hosting digitally forged intimate images can be held accountable.
This addresses the misuse of computer-generated technology and prioritizes personal privacy in the digital age.
Judicial Reform: Greater Accountability in Selections
The Judicial Merit Selection Commission now operates with more transparency. The judicial selection process has been revised to prevent political bias and promote qualified judicial candidates. Changes include:
- A new screening committee for vetting nominees.
- Increased public access to judicial evaluations.
- Term limits for magistrate judges.
If you’re involved in civil or criminal proceedings, these reforms ensure a more accountable legal system in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Energy Security Act
A critical move by Governor McMaster, the South Carolina Energy Security Act ensures investment in infrastructure, clean power, and affordability. Here’s what to expect:
Utility and Energy Updates:
- Duke Energy, Santee Cooper, and other utility providers must now submit transparent energy demand forecasts.
- Rate hikes and rate increases must be reviewed by the Public Service Commission.
- New power plant development guidelines aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote nuclear energy alternatives.
- Measures to control electricity bills for low-income households are now in effect.
This overhaul is set to improve the long-term energy outlook of South Carolina.
Fourth of July Safety Measures
With the Fourth of July marking one of the busiest times for travel and recreation at places like Clarks Hill Lake, the state has enacted tighter water safety regulations.
These include:
- Increased fines for operating watercraft under the influence.
- Enhanced patrolling around major lakes and rivers.
- Real-time alert systems for emergencies including missing teens.
If your holiday plans go awry or result in injury, legal counsel can help navigate the aftermath.
Data Protection and Web Browser Control
South Carolinians now have more control over personal information collected through web browsers. Websites must now allow:
- Browser-integrated options to opt out of targeted advertising.
- Clear cookie management and interest-based advertising disclosures.
Whether you’re a consumer or website operator, non-compliance with State Privacy Laws may lead to penalties.
Data Centers and Infrastructure Oversight
Due to the rising presence of data centers in South Carolina, new compliance requirements are now enforced to protect both consumer rights and environmental impact. These include:
- Mandatory data encryption standards.
- Transparent disclosure of location and operation scale.
- Limits on energy consumption tied to state Energy Security Act guidelines.
Lottery Reform: Spotlight on the South Carolina Education Lottery
Updates to the South Carolina Education Lottery mandate transparency in fund allocation and scholarship distribution. Students in low-income districts are expected to benefit the most. Additionally, debit options now allow players to participate using a debit card, helping with digital access to the lottery.
Regulation on Revenge Porn and Online Exploitation
Following public outcry over digital misconduct, South Carolina lawmakers have made it illegal to share intimate images without consent even if those images are altered using AI. The law applies to all forms of media and includes enhanced sentences for distribution.
Tourism and Conservation: Role of Natural Resources
To better manage tourism and outdoor recreation, the Department of Natural Resources has been tasked with safeguarding state parks and ensuring proper emergency protocols during holiday weekends. Enhanced protection is especially important around peak seasons like Fourth of July.
Missing Youth and Safety Reform
Recent incidents involving missing teens have sparked new child safety measures. These laws increase funding for Amber Alert infrastructure, enhance penalties for abduction, and improve cross-county coordination with cities like Richmond County.
What It All Means
From artificial intelligence laws to utility providers regulation and personal privacy, 2025 marks a pivotal shift in how South Carolina governs its public and private sectors. Understanding these changes can help individuals avoid penalties, safeguard privacy, and pursue justice when wronged.
Need Help Understanding South Carolina’s New Laws?
- Wondering how the new State Privacy Laws affect your business?
- Were your intimate images misused or shared without consent?
- Facing penalties related to the Energy Security Act or utility providers?
- Involved in a case impacted by the new judicial selection process?
- Want to ensure your rights are protected under evolving privacy policy guidelines?
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, we make sure the law works for you,not against you. With years of experience serving residents across South Carolina, we offer dedicated legal support for everything from criminal charges to civil rights violations and consumer law disputes.
We stay ahead of legal changes, including those affecting South Carolina State Privacy Laws, the judicial reform bill, and utility provider regulation. Our team is here to help you navigate this evolving legal environment .We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
