The bill, known as "Jaden's Law," aims to enhance the response protocols for boating accidents in South Carolina by establishing specific responsibilities for law enforcement agencies, first responders, and emergency management service providers. It introduces a new section, 50-21-118, to the South Carolina Code of Laws, which outlines the duties of 911 dispatchers when receiving calls related to boating accidents. Dispatchers are required to ask specific questions regarding the condition of the accident victim and, if the incident occurred on water, must direct the Department of Natural Resources to respond. Additionally, law enforcement agencies responding to such accidents must prepare incident reports, secure the scene, and conduct investigations, with the Department of Natural Resources required to involve the State Law Enforcement Division in cases involving deceased or unconscious victims.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that breath tests be performed on vessel drivers involved in accidents, and coroners must report boating-related deaths to the appropriate agencies for investigation. Emergency medical service providers are also required to notify the Department of Natural Resources of serious trauma incidents. To improve safety and accessibility, the Department must provide GPS coordinates and physical addresses for public boat landings, which must be clearly marked with visible signage. Lastly, the bill stipulates that decisions regarding charges against law enforcement officers in these cases must be referred to the Attorney General's Office, rather than being determined by local solicitors.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 50-21-118
Latest Version: 50-21-118