All Roll Calls
Yes: 462 • No: 0
South CarolinaH 4679126th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA DRONE REGULATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 55 SO AS TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL OPERATION OF DRONES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR THE UNLAWFUL OPERATION OF DRONES; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 24-1-300 AND 24-5-175 RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL OPERATION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES NEAR CERTAIN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND LOCAL DETENTION FACILITIES.
Sponsored By: Cody T. Mitchell (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Tough penalties and drone seizure
Breaking the drone rules can mean jail or fines. First offense: up to $1,000 or 6 months. Second: up to $2,500 or 1 year. Third or more: up to $5,000 or 2 years. Using a drone to deliver contraband or to scout prison or military weak spots is a felony with up to a $10,000 fine or 5 years in prison. Weaponizing a drone or trying to harm people or property is a felony with up to a $25,000 fine or 10 years. Police can seize a drone used in a suspected crime and hold it until the case ends. After a conviction, they may keep it, transfer it to another agency, or destroy it. An innocent owner can get it back with proof of ownership and certifications, but must pick it up within 30 days of notice. These penalties and seizure rules apply starting January 1, 2027.
New rules for flying drones
You must follow FAA rules when you fly. Register your drone if required and show the number when rules say so. You cannot fly, take off, or land in controlled airspace without FAA OK. You also cannot fly within 1,500 feet of a prison, jail, or military base unless you have written permission from the right authority. These rules apply starting January 1, 2027.
Who is covered and when rules start
The law defines key terms like drone, operator, controlled airspace, military installation, takeoff and landing site, weaponize, and correctional facility. These terms set who must follow the rules and what actions are covered. All parts of the law take effect January 1, 2027.
On-duty military and prison staff exempt
Military and correctional or detention staff are exempt when flying drones for their jobs. They must still follow all FAA rules. This exemption applies starting January 1, 2027.
Limits on local drone ordinances
Cities and counties cannot pass drone rules that conflict with this state law or FAA rules. Local governments may set reasonable rules for takeoff, landing, and flying on or above public property, as long as they do not conflict. These limits apply starting January 1, 2027.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Cody T. Mitchell
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Brandon L. Cox
Republican • House
Donald G. "Don" Chapman
Republican • House
Wendell G. Gilliard
Democrat • House
Thomas Duval "Val" Guest, Jr.
Republican • House
Thomas F. "Tom" Hartnett, Jr.
Republican • House
William G. "Bill" Herbkersman
Republican • House
Marvin "Mark" Smith
Republican • House
John R. McCravy III
Republican • House
Michael F. Rivers, Sr.
Democrat • House
Wm. Weston J. Newton
Republican • House
Paul B. Wickensimer
Republican • House
Robert Q. Williams
Democrat • House
Chris Wooten
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/13/2026
(South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act)Concur in Senate Amendments
Yes: 92 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/7/2026
(South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act)2nd Reading
Yes: 46 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
(South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act)Passage of Bill
Yes: 108 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
(South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act)Passage of Bill
Yes: 108 • No: 0
House vote • 4/14/2026
(South Carolina Drone Regulation and Public Safety Act)Passage of Bill
Yes: 108 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Act No. 150
5/26/2026legislatureEffective date 01/01/27
5/26/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
5/15/2026GovernorRatified R 198
5/14/2026legislatureRoll call Yeas-92 Nays-0
5/13/2026HouseConcurred in Senate amendment and enrolled
5/13/2026HouseRead third time and returned to House with amendments
5/12/2026SenateScrivener's error corrected
5/8/2026legislatureRoll call Ayes-46 Nays-0
5/7/2026SenateRead second time
5/7/2026SenateAmended
5/7/2026SenateRecalled from Committee on Transportation
5/6/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Transportation
4/15/2026SenateIntroduced and read first time
4/15/2026SenateRead third time and sent to Senate
4/15/2026HouseScrivener's error corrected
4/15/2026legislatureRoll call Yeas-108 Nays-0
4/14/2026HouseRead second time
4/14/2026HouseAmended
4/14/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Hartnett, Gilliard, Rivers, Williams
4/14/2026HouseScrivener's error corrected
4/13/2026legislatureCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Judiciary
4/2/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Guest, McCravy
3/31/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Wickensimer
3/25/2026HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: W.Newton, Herbkersman
3/10/2026House
Bill Text
Introduced
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