AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 15 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 50 SO AS TO PROHIBIT FISHING ON THE J. FOSTER JEFFORDS CAUSEWAY IN FLORENCE COUNTY.
Summary
H5473 amends the South Carolina Code of Laws to create a new offense prohibiting fishing at any time on the causeway crossing Forest Lake on Knollwood Road, also known as the J. Foster Jeffords Causeway, in Florence County. The bill adds a new article to Title 50, Chapter 19, and makes the restriction apply notwithstanding any other law governing fishing.
A person who violates the prohibition would be subject to a fine of up to $25 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, at the court’s discretion, for each separate offense. The act would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Impact
The bill would narrow lawful fishing activity in a specific public location in Florence County by creating a location-based prohibition and associated penalty in state law. It adds Section 50-19-810 to the South Carolina Code, expanding the state’s fish and wildlife enforcement provisions to cover the J. Foster Jeffords Causeway and giving courts authority to impose a small fine or short jail term for violations.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill received generally favorable support. It passed the House by a substantial margin, 83-20, and later advanced in the Senate on second reading by 44-1. No committee transcripts are available, so there is no recorded debate to indicate broader public arguments, but the vote totals point to broad legislative approval with some dissent.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether a complete ban on fishing at this specific causeway is warranted, since the bill imposes an absolute prohibition rather than a seasonal or regulated restriction. Opponents may have viewed the measure as an unnecessary limitation on recreational fishing or local access, while supporters likely saw it as a targeted public-safety, traffic, or nuisance-control measure for the causeway area. The recorded votes show some opposition in both chambers, but not enough to prevent passage.