Current Status Introducing Body:Senate Bill Number:991 Primary Sponsor:Reese Committee Number:07 Type of Legislation:GB Subject:Jet skis Residing Body:Senate Current Committee:Fish, Game & Forestry Computer Document Number:NO5/7438BD.94 Introduced Date:19940111 Last History Body:Senate Last History Date:19940111 Last History Type:Introduced, read first time, referred to Committee Scope of Legislation:Statewide All Sponsors:Reese Type of Legislation:General Bill
Bill Body Date Action Description CMN Leg Involved
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991 Senate 19940111 Introduced, read first time, 07
referred to Committee
View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-880 SO AS TO RESTRICT THE USE OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT INCLUDING JET SKIS, DEFINE TERMS, PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 50-21-880. (A) No person may operate or be in possession of a personal watercraft upon the waters of this State in excess of the no wake speed within twenty-five feet of a moored or an anchored vessel, wharf, dock, or pier or within fifty feet of a person in the water.
(B) As used in this section, personal watercraft means a motorized vessel where the operator and passenger ride on the outside surfaces of the vessel and includes, but is not limited to, a vessel commonly known as a `jet ski'.
(C) It is unlawful for a person who owns a personal watercraft or who has charge over or control of a personal watercraft to authorize or knowingly to permit the personal watercraft to be operated in violation of this section.
(D) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
(E) This section does not apply to:
(1) the operation of personal watercraft by the following personnel while in the performance of their official duties:
(a) law enforcement;
(b) emergency medical;
(c) civil defense;
(d) military;
(e) state and federally approved wildlife;
(f) those involved in biological research programs;
(2) activity on private waters;
(3) performers engaged in a professional exhibition or a person preparing to participate or participating in an officially sanctioned regatta, race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition in an area and at a time designated for that purpose."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.