Bill > S0367

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for addressing abandoned, derelict, and sunken vessels in South Carolina, defining these terms with specific criteria and creating penalties for vessel owners who allow their boats to become neglected or hazardous. Under the new law, an abandoned vessel is a wrecked or junked boat without a visible identifier that remains in state waters or on adjacent public property for at least ten consecutive days, while a derelict vessel is similar but has a visible identifier and remains for at least twenty-one consecutive days. The bill imposes significant penalties for violations, including fines up to $10,000, potential imprisonment for up to 60 days, and liability for removal costs. It also provides a detailed process for identifying and notifying vessel owners, requires the creation of a reporting website and application, and allows any person to remove abandoned or derelict vessels and potentially sue the responsible party to recover removal costs. The legislation extends municipal enforcement capabilities, vests jurisdiction in magistrate courts, and ensures that collected fines will be used for vessel removal and disposal. Additionally, the bill repeals previous sections of law related to abandoned watercraft and updates existing definitions, with the act taking effect upon the Governor's approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0367&session=126&summary=B