SC hate crimes bill closer to becoming law after passing in House Julia Kauffman Replay Video The South Carolina House has passed a bill that could increase penalties for violent hate crimes. The vote brings South Carolina one step closer to adopting a hate crime law – it's currently one of only three states without one. The hate crimes bill, H. 3096, has bipartisan support and passed 71-28 in the House Thursday. If it becomes law, people who commit violent hate crimes could face increased jail time and fines. "When we have the opportunity, we need to stand up and condemn these types of crimes," said Representative Beth Bernstein,