Bill > H3729

This bill amends South Carolina law to require owners of watercraft at least sixteen feet in length to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or property damage. The legislation defines "proof of insurance" as a policy declaration page or documentation that can be presented in an acceptable electronic format on a mobile device, with explicit protections against unauthorized device searches. Owners must certify insurance coverage when applying for or renewing watercraft titles and registrations, and insurance companies are not required to notify the state of coverage lapses. Violations are subject to escalating penalties: first offenses incur a $50-$250 fine, second offenses result in a $250-$500 fine, and third or subsequent offenses can lead to fines between $500-$1,000 and potential imprisonment of up to one year. If a watercraft is involved in an accident without proper insurance, a rebuttable presumption of being uninsured is created. Notably, all fines collected will be deposited into the general fund and used to support boater training and safety programs throughout the state. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3729&session=126&summary=B