The bill H. 3858 proposes significant amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding 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 simplifies the process for owners and dealers. The bill also consolidates tax notices for boats and watercraft, streamlining the tax notification process, and introduces a property tax exemption for fifty percent of the fair market value of watercraft, providing financial relief to boat owners. Additionally, it includes provisions for secure electronic transmission of title information and mandates that commercial entities utilize this electronic lien system. Further amendments focus on enhancing the security and integrity of watercraft ownership records, including prohibiting the alteration or forgery of certificates of title and establishing penalties for fraudulent activities. The bill requires county auditors to mail renewal notices for watercraft certificates and stipulates that no certificate of number may be issued without proof of property tax payment. It also introduces a temporary certificate of number for newly acquired watercraft, with specific conditions regarding hull identification numbers. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to property tax years beginning after 2026.

Statutes affected:
01/30/2025: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210, 12-37-220
04/30/2025: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210, 12-37-220
05/06/2025: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210, 12-37-220
05/07/2025: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210, 12-37-220
Latest Version: 50-23-345, 50-23-375, 12-37-3210, 12-37-220