The bill S. 367 aims to address the issues surrounding abandoned, derelict, and sunken vessels in South Carolina by amending the state code to declare these vessels as public nuisances that must be abated. It introduces several new sections that define key terms related to these vessels, establish penalties for individuals who allow their vessels to become abandoned or derelict, and outline procedures for the removal and disposal of such vessels. Notably, the bill extends the corporate limits of municipalities bordering navigable waters for enforcement purposes and mandates the development of a website and application for reporting these vessels.

Additionally, the bill repeals existing sections related to abandoned watercraft and the seizure of certain watercraft, as well as a definition of "abandon." The penalties for causing a vessel to become abandoned or derelict include fines up to $10,000 and potential imprisonment, along with liability for removal costs. The legislation also allows for the immediate removal of vessels deemed significant navigational or environmental hazards and provides a civil action framework for individuals who remove these vessels to recover their costs. The bill is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
02/20/2025: 50-21-200, 50-21-210, 50-21-220, 50-21-230, 50-21-240, 50-21-250, 50-21-260, 50-21-270, 50-21-280, 50-21-290, 50-21-190, 50-23-205, 50-21-10
03/19/2025: 50-21-200, 50-21-210, 50-21-220, 50-21-230, 50-21-240, 50-21-250, 50-21-260, 50-21-270, 50-21-280, 50-21-290, 50-21-190, 50-23-205, 50-21-10
03/25/2025: 50-21-200, 50-21-210, 50-21-220, 50-21-230, 50-21-240, 50-21-250, 50-21-260, 50-21-270, 50-21-280, 50-21-290, 50-21-190, 50-23-205, 50-21-10
04/29/2025: 50-21-200, 50-21-210, 50-21-220, 50-21-230, 50-21-240, 50-21-250, 50-21-260, 50-21-270, 50-21-280, 50-21-290, 50-21-190, 50-23-205, 50-21-10
Latest Version: 50-21-200, 50-21-210, 50-21-220, 50-21-230, 50-21-240, 50-21-250, 50-21-260, 50-21-270, 50-21-280, 50-21-290, 50-21-190, 50-23-205, 50-21-10