The "South Carolina Waterways Protection Act" aims to establish the South Carolina Waterways Protection Fund, which will receive a new waterways protection fee of three dollars attached to each watercraft tax notice. This fund is designated for specific purposes, including the removal of hazardous or abandoned vessels and marine debris, marking hazards to navigation, and administering a grant program to support these activities. The revenues collected will be managed separately from the general fund and will carry forward annually, with interest earned also credited to the fund. The Department of Natural Resources will allocate these funds based on the number of registered watercraft in each game zone, with provisions for reallocating unused funds.

Additionally, the bill mandates that tax notices for watercraft include the waterways protection fee, which will be deposited into the newly established fund. Importantly, the issuance or renewal of a watercraft certificate by the Department of Natural Resources will not depend on the payment of this fee. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
01/14/2025: 50-9-975, 12-37-3215
01/29/2025: 50-9-975, 12-37-3215
01/30/2025: 50-9-975, 12-37-3215
Latest Version: 50-9-975, 12-37-3215