The Property Rights Protection Act aims to enhance protections for property owners in South Carolina by amending existing laws related to the condemnation process. The bill introduces new provisions that make it unlawful for any condemnor to knowingly make false, fraudulent, or deceptive statements to a condemnee regarding the public use of a proposed project or the condemnation process. Additionally, it establishes a requirement for written notice to be provided to the condemned before initiating an appraisal, detailing essential information such as the condemnor's identity, the proposed project, the condemnee's rights to just compensation and independent appraisal, and the legal process involved.

Furthermore, the bill imposes civil penalties for violations of these provisions, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for each false statement made by a condemnor. It also allows condemned property owners to void property interest transfers if a condemnor is found liable for such violations. The legislation includes amendments to the application process for energy infrastructure projects, mandating that property owners receive written notice at least sixty days before an application is filed, along with a requirement for public comment periods and meetings to engage affected communities. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
03/26/2026: 28-2-70, 28-2-65, 28-2-130, 58-37-120
Latest Version: 28-2-70, 28-2-65, 28-2-130, 58-37-120