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A98, R102, S383
STATUS INFORMATION
General Bill
Sponsors: Senators Davis, Goldfinch, Graham, Zell and Rankin
Document Path: LC-0179DG25.docx
Introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2025
Introduced in the House on May 8, 2025
Currently residing in the House
Governor's Action: February 27, 2026, Signed
Summary: Official state migratory bird
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
| Date | Body | Action Description with journal page number |
|---|---|---|
| 2/25/2025 | Senate | Introduced and read first time (Senate Journal-page 7) |
| 2/25/2025 | Senate | Referred to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services (Senate Journal-page 7) |
| 4/30/2025 | Senate | Polled out of committee Family and Veterans' Services (Senate Journal-page 8) |
| 4/30/2025 | Senate | Committee report: Favorable Family and Veterans' Services (Senate Journal-page 8) |
| 5/6/2025 | Senate | Read second time (Senate Journal-page 56) |
| 5/6/2025 | Senate | Roll call Ayes-44 Nays-0 (Senate Journal-page 56) |
| 5/7/2025 | Senate | Read third time and sent to House (Senate Journal-page 37) |
| 5/8/2025 | House | Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 47) |
| 5/8/2025 | House | Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs (House Journal-page 47) |
| 2/18/2026 | House | Committee report: Favorable Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs (House Journal-page 43) |
| 2/19/2026 | Scrivener's error corrected | |
| 2/19/2026 | House | Read second time (House Journal-page 29) |
| 2/19/2026 | House | Roll call Yeas-108 Nays-0 (House Journal-page 29) |
| 2/19/2026 | House | Unanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day (House Journal-page 30) |
| 2/20/2026 | House | Read third time and enrolled (House Journal-page 2) |
| 2/25/2026 | Ratified R 102 | |
| 2/27/2026 | Signed By Governor | |
| 3/5/2026 | Effective date 02/27/26 | |
| 3/5/2026 | Act No. 98 |
View the latest legislative information at the website
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
02/25/2025
04/30/2025
02/18/2026
02/19/2026
NOTE: THIS IS A TEMPORARY VERSION. THIS DOCUMENT WILL REMAIN IN THIS VERSION UNTIL FINAL APPROVAL BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
(A98, R102, S383)
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PROTHONOTARY WARBLER RECOGNITION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-613 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (PROTONOTARIA CITREA) AS THE OFFICIAL STATE MIGRATORY BIRD OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a strikingly beautiful, golden-yellow songbird that migrates annually between South Carolina and its wintering grounds in Central and South America; and
Whereas, South Carolina provides critical breeding, stopover, and foraging habitat for the Prothonotary Warbler during its annual lifecycle, particularly in the state's bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, and wetlands, such as Audubon's 18,000 acre Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp, providing tree cavities for nesting and an abundant supply of insects for food, which are essential for nesting, feeding, and resting as the species travels thousands of miles between continents; and
Whereas, the warbler is an indicator species, meaning its presence reflects the health of South Carolina's wetland ecosystems, and protecting its habitat benefits not only the Prothonotary Warbler but also a diverse array of wildlife, including other migratory birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates that rely on these environments; and
Whereas, South Carolina's natural resources-including its rivers, forests, and wetlands-are vital to the state's economy, culture, and biodiversity, and recognizing the Prothonotary Warbler as the official state migratory bird will underscore South Carolina's commitment to conservation, ecotourism, and the protection of its natural heritage; and
Whereas, promoting awareness of the Prothonotary Warbler and its habitat needs will help encourage responsible land and water management, ensuring that South Carolina's rich environmental legacy is preserved for future generations. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
Citation
SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "Prothonotary Warbler Recognition Act."
Official state migratory bird
SECTION 2. Article 9, Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 1-1-613. The Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is the official state migratory bird of South Carolina.
Time effective
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Ratified the 25th day of February, 2026.
Approved the 27th day of February, 2026.
This web page was last updated on March 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM