Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

Committee Report

April 2, 2026

 

S. 337

 

Introduced by Senator Reichenbach

 

S. Printed 4/2/26--H.

Read the first time March 20, 2025

 

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The committee on House Agriculture, Natural Res. and Environmental Affairs

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 337) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 50-13-640, relating to the possession of blue catfish, so as to provide for a daily limit of seventy-five, etc., respectfully

Report:

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

 

   Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 50-13-640(B) and inserting:

    (B) It is unlawful to take possess more than twenty-five blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) a day in Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, the section of the Pee Dee River from the state border with North Carolina to the Highway 301 bridge, and the upper reach of the Santee River, and it is unlawful to possess  more than one-hundred-fifty blue catfish a day in all other state waterways.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 50-13-640(A) and inserting:

    (A) It is unlawful to possess more than two blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) greater than thirty-two inches in length in any one day in Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, or the upper reach of the Santee River, the section of the Pee Dee River from the state border with North Carolina to the Highway 301 bridge, and the Congaree and Wateree rivers, and all other state waterways.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

 

WILLIAM HIXON for Committee.

 

 

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill increases the blue catfish limit from 25 to 150 a day in all state waterways except for Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, and the upper reach of the Santee River. This bill also makes it legal to possess more than 2 blue catfish greater than thirty-two inches in length in any one day in the waterways of the state, except for in Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, and the upper reach of the Santee River.

It is currently illegal to take more than 25 blue catfish and more than 2 blue catfish greater than thirty-two inches in length in any one day in all waterways of the state. A person in violation of these blue catfish limits is currently guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than $300 or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.

 

Department of Natural Resources. This bill increases the limits on blue catfish in the state, which may impact the workload for DNR. DNR indicates that any change in workload can be managed with existing resources.

 

Judicial. This bill may result in a change in the number of court cases in local courts. Judicial offers administrative support for local courts. Judicial anticipates being able to manage any additional responsibilities due to this bill. However, if this bill results in an unexpected, significant increase in the caseload, and thereby, Judicial's administrative support, Judicial will request additional General Fund appropriations.

 

State Revenue

This bill may result in a decrease in the fines and fees collected in court. Court fines and fees are distributed to the General Fund, Other Funds, and local funds. Therefore, RFA anticipates this bill may result in a change to the General Fund and Other Funds revenue due to the change in fines and fees collected in court. For information, Judicial reports that in FY 2024-25 there were 3 cases disposed dealing with blue catfish limits. Therefore, RFA anticipates any change in fines and fees collections in court to be minimal.

 

Local Expenditure

This bill may change the number of individuals imprisoned in local jails. The potential change in expenses for local jails will depend upon the number of cases and number of incarcerations. For information, Judicial reports that in FY 2024-25 there were 3 cases disposed dealing with blue catfish limits. Therefore, RFA anticipates any change in local jail expenses to be minimal.

 

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-13-640, RELATING TO THE POSSESSION OF BLUE CATFISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A DAILY LIMIT OF SEVENTY-FIVE BLUE CATFISH IN STATE WATERWAYS OTHER THAN IN LAKE MARION, LAKE MOULTRIE, AND THE UPPER REACH OF THE SANTEE RIVER.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 50-13-640(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) It is unlawful to take possess more than twenty-five blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) a day in Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, and the upper reach of the Santee River, and it is unlawful to possess  more than one-hundred-fifty blue catfish a day in all other state waterways.

 

SECTION 2.  Section 50-13-640(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) It is unlawful to possess more than two blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) greater than thirty-two inches in length in any one day in Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, or the upper reach of the Santee River, and the Congaree and Wateree rivers, and all other state waterways.

 

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

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