A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 47-9-70 SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE RAISING AND POSSESSING OF CHICKEN HENS AND QUAIL HENS; AND TO PROVIDE A SUNSET PROVISION.
Summary
H4112 would add a new section to the South Carolina Code allowing residents to raise and keep limited numbers of backyard poultry on lots with single-family dwellings, regardless of contrary local rules or ordinances. Specifically, it would permit up to five chicken hens or ten quail hens per household for personal use and egg consumption. The bill also makes clear that local governments may still allow more than these minimum amounts if they choose.
The measure is temporary: it includes a sunset provision causing the new authority to expire on January 1, 2026. It would take effect upon the Governor’s approval, and it is framed as a state-level override of local restrictions only to the extent necessary to guarantee the stated minimum right to keep hens.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would preempt county, municipal, and other political subdivision rules that prohibit residents from keeping up to the specified number of chicken hens or quail hens on single-family residential lots. It would create a statewide baseline right for backyard poultry keeping for personal egg consumption, while preserving local authority to permit larger flocks. Because the act sunsets on January 1, 2026, the change would be temporary unless later extended or reenacted.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears straightforward and noncontroversial in purpose, with no recorded committee debate or votes provided. The only noted legislative action is a scrivener’s error correction, suggesting the bill was being refined rather than contested. Overall, the bill’s tone is permissive and limited, aimed at allowing small-scale backyard poultry keeping rather than broad agricultural regulation.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is local control: the bill overrides county and municipal restrictions that might otherwise ban or limit backyard hens, which could concern local governments or residents worried about zoning, noise, odor, sanitation, or animal welfare. Another possible issue is the temporary sunset date, which may be viewed either as a cautious trial period or as an unnecessary limit on a new right. No specific opponents or supporters are identified in the provided materials.