(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

COMMITTEE REPORT

May 3, 2018

S. 1044

Introduced by Senator Shealy

S. Printed 5/3/18--H.

Read the first time April 3, 2018.

            

THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NATURAL

RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 1044) to amend Section 50-13-260 of the 1976 Code, relating to the protection of freshwater game fish, to establish a year-round "catch and release", etc., respectfully

REPORT:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:

DAVID R. HIOTT. for Committee.

            

A BILL

TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-260 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF FRESHWATER GAME FISH, TO ESTABLISH A YEAR-ROUND "CATCH AND RELEASE" ZONE ON THE LOWER REACH OF THE SALUDA RIVER.

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

SECTION    1.    Section 50-13-260 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an appropriately lettered new subsection to read:

"(    )    In order to establish a year-round 'catch and release' zone on the lower reach of the Saluda River, it is unlawful to take and retain trout from the eastbound I-20 bridge downstream to Stacey's Ledge."

SECTION    2.    The Department of Natural Resources shall make a study of the lower Saluda River trout fishery and make recommendations on any needed modifications to the fishery by November 1, 2023.

SECTION    3.    The provisions of this act are repealed on June 30, 2025.

SECTION    4.    This act takes effect on July 1, 2018.