The bill S. 61 proposes significant amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning the titling and registration of watercraft and outboard motors. A key change is the removal of the requirement for outboard motors to be titled, which aims to simplify the ownership process for boat owners. The bill also introduces a new Article 5 to Chapter 23, Title 50, establishing a framework for registration and making conforming changes to several sections, including Section 50-23-345, Section 50-23-375, and Section 12-37-3210. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of marine dealers, including the need for annual permits and accurate record-keeping, while ensuring compliance with tax obligations related to watercraft ownership.

Moreover, the bill sets forth new requirements for the registration process, mandating that owners notify the department within thirty days of any ownership transfer and that all watercraft and outboard motors used in the state must be registered, with certain exemptions. It introduces penalties for violations, including fines for false statements, and establishes a late penalty of thirty dollars for late registrations. The bill also requires the department to maintain public records of registrations and notify local counties of ownership transfers. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027, applying to property tax years beginning thereafter.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210
12/11/2024-A: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210
Latest Version: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210