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SC S0508

SC S0508
Monument and Memorial Protection


summary

Introduced
03/27/2025
In Committee
03/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

126th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 10-1-165, Relating To The Protection Of Certain Monuments And Memorials, So As To Expand The Type Of Monuments Or Memorials That May Not Be Relocated, Removed, Or Disturbed, To Withhold Disbursements From The Local Government Fund For Any County Or Municipality That Violates This Section, To Provide For The Care And Preservation Of Monuments And Memorials By Certain People Or Organizations, To Provide Standing To Certain People Or Organizations To Bring A Civil Action In Response To A Violation Of This Section Or To Prevent Such Violation, And To Provide For Limitations On The Transfer Of Real Property Underneath A Monument Or Memorial Or The Transfer Of Real Property Necessary To Maintain, Access, Or View A Monument Or Memorial.

AI Summary

This bill amends South Carolina law to provide extensive protections for historical monuments and memorials, expanding the types of monuments that cannot be relocated, removed, or disturbed to include those related to various wars, Native American history, and African American history. The bill prohibits altering, renaming, or rededicating any historical monument or memorial on public property, including related plaques or markers. If a county or municipality violates these provisions, the State Treasurer will withhold Local Government Fund disbursements. The legislation grants broad standing for any person, group, or organization to bring civil actions to prevent or remedy violations, without needing to prove personal injury. The bill also allows "affinity organizations" (defined as groups chartered to honor specific historical events or periods) to maintain, restore, and replace damaged monuments. Additionally, the bill restricts local governments from transferring ownership of the land underneath or necessary to access a protected monument to private entities. The Department of History and Archives is tasked with creating regulations for monument maintenance and restoration by affinity organizations. The law would take effect upon the Governor's approval, aiming to preserve historical monuments and memorials across South Carolina.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (32)

Last Action

Senate Finance Committee (15:00:00 1/20/2026 Gressette Room 308) (on 01/20/2026)

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