Committee Report

April 30, 2025

 

S. 585

 

Introduced by Senator Adams

 

S. Printed 4/30/25--S.

Read the first time April 16, 2025

 

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The committee on Senate Transportation

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 585) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by enacting the "Safeguarding American Families Everywhere (SAFE) Act" and by adding Section 56-3-125 so as to provide applications, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

 

LAWRENCE GROOMS for Committee.

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN FAMILIES EVERYWHERE (SAFE) ACT" AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPLICATIONS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS MUST INCLUDE LANGUAGE ALLOWING APPLICANTS TO VOLUNTARILY INDICATE THEY OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CERTAIN DISABILITIES OR DISORDERS, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO INCLUDE THE DESIGNATION "SAFE" IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE'S RECORDS.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  This act may be cited as the "Safeguarding American Families Everywhere (SAFE) Act."

 

SECTION 2.  Article 3, Chapter 3, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 56-3-125.  (A) The application form for motor vehicle registration must include language allowing an applicant to voluntarily indicate that he has been diagnosed with, or is the parent or legal guardian of a child or ward who has been diagnosed with, any of the following disabilities or disorders by a licensed physician:

       (1) autism;

       (2) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;

       (3) down syndrome;

       (4) Alzheimer's disease;

       (5) traumatic brain injury;

       (6) posttraumatic stress disorder;

       (7) diabetes;

       (8) an autoimmune disorder;

       (9) deafness;

       (j) blindness; or

       (k) any other mentally or physically limiting disorder.

    (B) If the applicant indicates one of the diagnoses listed in subsection (A) on the application, the department must include the designation "SAFE" in the motor vehicle record. For purposes of this subsection, the department may not include in the motor vehicle record personal identifying information of or any diagnosis of a person for whom a diagnosis is indicated. The department must allow a motor vehicle owner or co-owner to update a motor vehicle registration to include or remove the "SAFE" designation at any time.

 

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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