The bill, known as "Jaden's Law," aims to enhance the response protocols for law enforcement agencies, first responders, and emergency management service providers in the event of boating accidents in South Carolina. It introduces new responsibilities for 911 dispatchers, who must inquire about specific conditions of the accident victim and direct the Department of Natural Resources to respond if the incident occurred on water. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are required to prepare incident reports, secure accident scenes, and conduct investigations for accidents involving deceased or unconscious victims. The bill also mandates that breath tests be performed on vessel drivers involved in such accidents.

Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that coroners must report boating accident fatalities to the Department of Natural Resources and the State Law Enforcement Division, which must investigate if neither agency is aware of the incident. Emergency medical service providers are also required to notify the Department of Natural Resources of serious trauma cases. 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 specifies that cases involving law enforcement officers must be referred to the Attorney General's Office rather than being handled by local solicitors.

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