Committee Report

March 07, 2024

H. 4871

Introduced by Reps. Haddon, Ligon and Forrest

S. Printed 03/07/24--H.

Read the first time January 17, 2024

________

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

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 4871) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 47-9-420 so as to prohibit the interference or interaction with farm animals being transported by a motor, 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, SECTION 1, Section 47-9-420, by adding a subsection to read:

    (F) Any person convicted under the provisions of this section is subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both, in the discretion of the court. In case such offender repeats the same or commits a like offense, upon conviction is subject to a penalty of two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both, in the discretion of the court.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

WILLIAM "BILL" HIXON for Committee.

________

A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 47-9-420 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE INTERFERENCE OR INTERACTION WITH FARM ANIMALS BEING TRANSPORTED BY A MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT PERMISSION.

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

SECTION 1.  Article 1, Chapter 9, Title 47 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 47-9-420.  (A) No person may stop, hinder, obstruct, or otherwise interfere with a motor vehicle transporting farm animals.

    (B) No person may interfere or interact with a farm animal being transported by a motor vehicle without the prior consent of the driver of the motor vehicle.

    (C) Prior consent of the driver of a motor vehicle transporting farm animals may not be inferred by a person seeking to interfere or interact with a farm animal being transported solely because the driver has not specifically prohibited the person from doing so.

    (D) Consent to interfering or interacting with a farm animal is invalid if it is obtained from the driver of the motor vehicle transporting the farm animal using duress or under false pretenses.

    (E) The prohibitions of this section do not apply to:

       (1) a law enforcement officer if the person is acting within the scope of his duties;

       (2) a firefighter, paramedic, or other emergency personnel if the person is acting within the scope of his duties; or

       (3) any other person permitted by law, if the person is acting within the scope of his duties.

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

----XX----