The bill H. 5135 aims to amend Section 56-5-1538 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to emergency scene management. The key change introduced by this bill is that individuals charged with violations of this section will now be eligible to enroll in a Traffic Education Program (TEP). This provision is intended to provide an alternative to traditional penalties for those found guilty of endangering emergency services personnel or operators of authorized emergency vehicles.

Specifically, the bill maintains the existing penalties for violations, which include a misdemeanor charge and a fine ranging from three hundred to five hundred dollars. However, the new eligibility for the TEP offers a potential pathway for offenders to mitigate the consequences of their actions. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/10/2026: 56-5-1538
Latest Version: 56-5-1538