Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

Committee Report

March 25, 2026

 

H. 5131

 

Introduced by Rep. Hartnett

 

S. Printed 3/25/26--H.

Read the first time February 10, 2026

 

________

 

The committee on House Education and Public Works

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 5131) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 56-3-780, relating to permanent license plates and fees for vehicles of state political subdivisions, etc., respectfully

Report:

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

 

SHANNON ERICKSON for Committee.

 

 

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill requires permanent license plates to be issued by DMV to all tribal governments located in the state.  The plate that designates a tribal government must include the prefix TG.  DMV may issue tribal government license plates six months following approval of their design. 

The expenditure impact of the bill to DMV is pending, contingent upon clarifying information from DMV.

 

State Revenue

This bill requires permanent license plates to be issued by DMV to all tribal governments located in the state.  The fee associated with obtaining a permanent license plate is $2.  The revenue impact of the bill on DMV and SCTIB is pending, contingent upon additional information from DMV.

 

 

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 56-3-780, RELATING TO PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES AND FEES FOR VEHICLES OF STATE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, SO AS TO CREATE A PERMANENT LICENSE PLATE FOR TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS LOCATED IN THE STATE.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 56-3-780(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) Permanent license plates must be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles for all motor vehicles operated by the State or its political subdivisions, or tribal governments located in the State. The license fee, including registration, is two dollars. Permanent plates must bear the words "South Carolina,", the number, and a prefix "SG,", "RG,", "CG,", or "MG," or "TG" to designate respectively state government, regional government, county government, or municipal government, or tribal government. The department may issue a permanent license plate to vehicles used by state or local law enforcement agencies. The fee for the permanent plate is two dollars. A decal may be issued to designate the law enforcement agency. The department may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of the decal.

 

SECTION 2.  The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue tribal government license plates six months following approval of their design.

 

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

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