Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

Committee Report

May 6, 2026

 

S. 961

 

Introduced by Senator Campsen

 

S. Printed 5/6/26--H.

Read the first time March 24, 2026

 

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

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 961) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 50-5-1705, relating to catch limits for certain saltwater game fish, so as to revise the catch limit, 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, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:

SECTION X.A. Section 50-9-650(B)(2) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (2)(a) With the purchase of a South Carolina hunting license and a big game permit, a resident shall be issued twothree individual antlerless deer tags and threetwo unrestricted individual antlered deer tags. Persons under the age of sixteen, lifetime, and gratis licensees may receive these tags upon request to the department. Residents, including persons under the age of sixteen, lifetime, and gratis licensees also may purchase:

               (i) two antler restriction individual antlered deer tags valid for deer with a minimum of four points on one antler or a minimum twelve-inch inside antler spread for five dollars per tag;  and

               (ii) additional individual antlerless deer tags for five dollars per tag.

           (b) Fees for nonresident deer tags are as follows:

               (i) fifty dollars for the first antlered deer tag and twenty dollars for each additional antlered deer tag up to a maximum of four tags;  two of which must be an antler restriction individual antlered deer tag valid only for deer with a minimum of four points on one antler or a minimum twelve-inch inside antler spread;  and

               (ii) ten dollars per individual antlerless deer tag.

 

B.This SECTION takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 4 and inserting:

SECTION 4.  ThisExcept as otherwise provided in this act, this act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

 

WILLIAM HIXON for Committee.

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-5-1705, RELATING TO CATCH LIMITS FOR CERTAIN SALTWATER GAME FISH, SO AS TO REVISE THE CATCH LIMIT FOR RED DRUM; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-5-1710, RELATING TO SIZE LIMITS FOR CERTAIN SALTWATER GAME FISH, SO AS TO REVISE THE SIZE LIMIT FOR RED DRUM; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 50-5-1700, RELATING TO EQUIPMENT FOR THE CATCHING OF SALTWATER GAME FISH, SO AS TO REQUIRE A NON-OFFSET, NON-STAINLESS STEEL CIRCLE HOOK WHEN USING A HANDHELD HOOK AND LINE AND A HOOK SIZE OF 4/0 OR LARGER.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 50-5-1705(D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (D) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than two one red drum in any one day, not to exceed six two red drum in any one day on any boat.

 

SECTION 2.  Section 50-5-1710(B)(3) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (3) red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) (channel bass or spottail bass) of less than fifteen eighteen inches in total length, or more than twenty-threetwenty-five inches in total length;

 

SECTION 3.  Section 50-5-1700(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B)(1) It is unlawful to take or attempt to take saltwater gamefish in the waters of this State, except by:

           (1)(a) hand-held hook and line, which includesto include rod and reel and pole, and when using natural bait with a hook size of 4/0 or larger, the hook must be a non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hook; or

           (2)(b) gigging during legal periods.

        (2) Any saltwater gamefish taken by any other means must be returned immediately to the water.

 

SECTION 4.  This act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

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