H*3984(Rat #0180, Act #0121 of 1995)  General Bill, By Cotty, J.M. Baxley, Boan, 
Sheheen and Wilkes
 A Bill to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding Article 12
 to Chapter 25, Title 50, so as to provide restrictions for motorboats on Lake
 Wateree and provide penalties.-amended title

   04/11/95  House  Introduced, read first time, placed on calendar
                     without reference HJ-6
   04/19/95  House  Read second time HJ-19
   04/20/95  House  Read third time and sent to Senate HJ-14
   04/25/95  Senate Introduced and read first time SJ-15
   04/25/95  Senate Referred to Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry SJ-15
   05/18/95  Senate Committee report: Favorable Fish, Game and
                     Forestry SJ-45
   05/30/95  Senate Read second time SJ-75
   05/30/95  Senate Ordered to third reading with notice of
                     amendments SJ-75
   05/31/95  Senate Read third time and enrolled SJ-136
   06/06/95         Ratified R 180
   06/13/95         Became law without Governor's signature
   06/13/95         Effective date 06/13/95
   08/09/95         Copies available
   08/09/95         Act No. 121

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 12 TO CHAPTER 25, TITLE 50, SO AS TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS FOR MOTORBOATS ON LAKE WATEREE AND PROVIDE PENALTIES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Restrictions for motorboats on Lake Wateree

SECTION 1. Chapter 25, Title 50, of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 12

Section 50-25-1210. A motorboat operating upon waters on Lake Wateree shall comply with the following noise control requirements:

(1) Motorboats with inboard-outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust through the propeller.

(2) Inboard motorboats with `V'-drives-jets or propeller propulsion machinery with exhaust through the transom must be water-cooled with a steady stream of water or exhaust underwater while under way or exhaust through an automotive sealed, baffle-type muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Boats with original propulsion machinery made before 1970 are exempt from the requirements of this item.

(3) Motorboats and their propulsion machinery which exhaust over the transom shall exhaust through an automotive sealed, baffle-type muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Glass pack mufflers, resonators, and above-water open exhausts are prohibited for the motorboats. Baffle inserts are prohibited on all inboard boats.

(4) Motorboats with outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust underwater at all times unless designed or modified to exhaust above water and comply with the provisions of item (3).

Section 50-25-1220. The motorboats competing in a regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition approved as provided in Section 50-21-1210 are exempted from the provisions of this article. Exceptions also may be granted during designated hours for pretrial runs and for trial runs for speed records immediately following the event.

Section 50-25-1230. The operator of a motorboat who violates any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined for a:

(1) first offense not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days;

(2) second offense not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days;

(3) third or subsequent offense not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both."

Time effective

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Became law without the signature of the Governor -- 6/13/95.