The bill S. 508 aims to amend Section 10-1-165 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance the protection of monuments and memorials on public property. It expands the types of monuments that cannot be relocated, removed, or disturbed, including those dedicated to various historical events and figures. The bill introduces a provision that mandates the State Treasurer to withhold disbursements from the Local Government Fund for any county or municipality that violates these protections. Additionally, it allows individuals and organizations to bring civil actions against violations, including seeking injunctive relief and damages for restoration costs, without needing to demonstrate a specific injury to establish standing.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for the care and preservation of these monuments by "affinity organizations," which are defined as groups dedicated to honoring specific historical events or figures. It also prohibits counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions from transferring ownership of the real property beneath or necessary for accessing these monuments to private entities. This legislation is designed to ensure the continued protection and maintenance of South Carolina's historical monuments and memorials.

Statutes affected:
03/27/2025: 10-1-165
Latest Version: 10-1-165