S.0026

Watercraft Liability Insurance

Introduced·1/14/25

South Carolina S0026 mandates liability insurance for watercraft over 70 horsepower, with penalties for non-compliance.

South Carolina S0026 amends the state code to require owners of watercraft over 70 horsepower to carry liability insurance with at least $50,000 of coverage per occurrence. Owners must present proof of insurance when applying for a title or registration. Failure to present proof of insurance creates a presumption of non-compliance, leading to fines and potential imprisonment. Fines collected are to be used for boater training and safety programs. The bill also clarifies that presenting proof of insurance in electronic format does not authorize searches of other device content.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Fish, Game and Forestry Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate: 2nd Reading

24 Yea

DDDRRRRDRDDRDRDRRRDRDRRR

19 Nay

RRRRRDRRRRRRRRRRRRR

2 Absent

RR

Calendar

Jan 29, 2025

10:00 AM

Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee

History

May 7

Senate

Recommitted to Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry

Feb 3

Senate

Read second time

Feb 3

Senate

Roll call Ayes-24 Nays-19