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 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 various sections related to temporary certificates, validation decals, and tax notices. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of marine dealers, including the need for annual permits and maintaining accurate records, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the titling and registration system.

Moreover, the bill sets forth specific requirements for the issuance and management of certificates of title, including the necessity for electronic transmission of title information and the responsibilities of owners and lienholders during ownership transfers. It establishes penalties for fraudulent activities related to titles and mandates that all watercraft and outboard motors in the state must be registered. The bill also introduces a late penalty for registrations submitted after sixty days and clarifies that certain fee requirements do not apply to watercraft owned by volunteer rescue squads. 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