The bill S. 972 seeks to amend Section 50-21-860 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to include specific restrictions on the operation of airboats on Lake Moultrie. The proposed amendment prohibits the operation of certain airboats on Lake Moultrie from one hour before legal sunset to one hour after legal sunrise. This addition aims to enhance safety and reduce disturbances during nighttime hours on the lake.

In addition to the new restriction for Lake Moultrie, the bill also clarifies existing prohibitions on airboat operations in various other waterways, including the Waccamaw, Great Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, Black, and Sampit Rivers, as well as portions of Lake Marion and Santee Swamp, and the Broad River in Richland County. The bill specifies that violations of these provisions will result in penalties as outlined in Section 50-1-130, while also exempting certain operations by law enforcement and other authorized personnel from these restrictions. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
03/03/2026: 50-21-860
Latest Version: 50-21-860