The South Carolina Tribal Reservation Establishment Act aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding a new Article 3 to Chapter 31, Title 1, which allows the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs to designate certain lands as Native American reservations. The bill defines key terms such as "tribe," "reservation," and "land into trust," and outlines the process for tribes to apply for the establishment of reservations, including the need for documentation supporting their historical or cultural claims. The commission will work with tribes to identify suitable private lands for designation, ensuring compliance with state regulations and providing incentives for land donations through state tax benefits.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the management of tribal lands, the jurisdiction of tribal courts, and the rights of tribal members to hunt, fish, and gather on tribal-owned lands. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable resource management and cultural preservation, while also establishing guidelines for land donations and the legal framework for tribal governance. The act also directs the Code Commissioner to reclassify existing sections of Chapter 31 as "Article 1 General Provisions." If any part of the act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining sections will still remain valid. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.