summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Article 29 To Chapter 1, Title 1 So As To Provide For Definitions And To Require The Sc Emergency Management Division To Add Detailed Plans Regarding Hardening All Critical Infrastructure Against Electromagnetic Pulses Or Geomagnetic Disturbances, To Require Electrical Utility Distributors In This State To Offer Programs To Residential Customers Who Choose To Receive Electromagnetic Pulse/geomagnetic Disturbance Protection From The Utility And To Provide For Payment Plans Through The Customers' Monthly Bills, And To Provide For Grants; And To Establish That The General Assembly Shall Make Certain Appropriations.
AI Summary
This bill introduces comprehensive electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protection measures for South Carolina, addressing potential catastrophic risks from solar flares or nuclear-based electromagnetic disruptions. The legislation requires the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to develop detailed plans by January 1, 2026, for hardening critical infrastructure against EMPs, including government facilities, public utilities, healthcare systems, first responders, and public schools. Electrical power distributors must offer residential customers the option to install EMP protection with flexible monthly payment plans. The bill defines critical infrastructure and electromagnetic pulses, emphasizing the potential devastating impacts such events could have on technological systems. The General Assembly will provide multiyear funding through grants to help entities implement EMP protection and alternative power sources, with municipalities and infrastructure entities eligible for financial assistance if they comply with SCEMD's preparedness plan. The bill's context is rooted in concerns about potential threats from countries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran, as well as historical solar events like the 1859 Carrington Event, which could cause widespread technological and infrastructure failures that could potentially result in significant loss of human life due to the disruption of essential services.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (31)
Kathy Landing (R)*,
Case Brittain (R),
Joe Bustos (R),
Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D),
Chandra Dillard (D),
Craig Gagnon (R),
Kambrell Garvin (D),
Doug Gilliam (R),
Val Guest (R),
Bill Hager (R),
Tom Hartnett (R),
Bill Hixon (R),
Jermaine Johnson (D),
Wendell Jones (D),
Jason Luck (D),
John McCravy (R),
Tim McGinnis (R),
Cody Mitchell (R),
Travis Moore (R),
Mike Neese (R),
Luke Rankin (R),
Robby Robbins (R),
Heath Sessions (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Tiffany Spann-Wilder (D),
Bill Taylor (R),
James Teeple (R),
David Vaughan (R),
Paul Wickensimer (R),
Robert Williams (D),
Chris Wooten (R),
Last Action
Scrivener's error corrected (on 02/19/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3968&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3968_20250219.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3968_20250212.htm |
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