The "Multifamily Dwelling Safety Act" aims to enhance safety standards for balcony railings in multifamily dwellings in South Carolina. The bill establishes a new chapter in the South Carolina Code of Laws, defining key terms such as "Department," "Inspector," and "Multifamily dwelling." It outlines qualifications for inspectors, requiring them to be licensed professionals with relevant experience. The Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation is tasked with creating a Multifamily Dwelling Balcony Code that sets minimum standards for wooden balcony railings and mandates inspections every five years to ensure compliance. Property owners will be charged a fee for these inspections, and the Department has the authority to issue waivers or exemptions under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that property owners must allow access for inspections and provides penalties for violations of the code, including potential misdemeanor charges and fines. The Department is required to implement the necessary regulations within six months of the act's approval, and enforcement will not begin until these regulations are in place. Overall, the act seeks to improve safety in multifamily housing by ensuring that balcony structures meet established safety standards.