South Carolina House Bill H5116

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 47-1-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISCHARGE FIREWORKS NEAR FACILITIES HOUSING EQUINE.

Summary

H5116 would add a new section to the South Carolina Code making it unlawful to knowingly and willfully discharge fireworks within 200 yards of a facility housing equine. The bill applies to fireworks use near places where horses or other equine animals are kept, and it creates a misdemeanor offense for violations. A person convicted under the bill would be fined $250. The measure would take effect upon approval by the Governor, and it is narrowly focused on protecting equine facilities from the noise, stress, and safety risks associated with nearby fireworks use.

Impact

The bill would amend Title 47 of the South Carolina Code by creating a new fireworks restriction tied specifically to equine facilities. It would add a criminal penalty for violating the distance requirement, giving law enforcement and prosecutors a new misdemeanor offense to enforce against fireworks discharged too close to horse-housing facilities. The practical effect would be to impose a buffer zone around barns, stables, and similar facilities housing equine animals.

Sentiment

There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history available for this bill, so no formal debate or recorded opposition is reflected in the provided materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be a targeted public-safety and animal-welfare proposal with a limited scope. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments suggests the bill may have been relatively straightforward or uncontroversial in the available record.

Contention

The main policy issue likely concerns the 200-yard restriction and whether it is the appropriate distance to protect equine animals while still allowing fireworks use nearby. Potential points of contention could include enforcement practicality, the scope of the term 'facility housing equine,' and whether a misdemeanor and $250 fine are sufficient or excessive. However, no specific objections, supporters, or competing viewpoints are documented in the provided committee or vote materials.