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S 718

Removal of People from Vehicle Park

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Billy Garrett

South Carolina RV park operators may remove transient guests for specified conduct, with written notice, penalties for staying, and potential utilities shutoff to collect unpaid re

Debate adjourned until Thurs., 5-14-26
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 718

Summary of Bill S. 718 (South Carolina, 2025-2026)

Title and Purpose

  • Title: Removal of People from Vehicle Park
  • Purpose: To authorize the operator of any recreational vehicle (RV) park in South Carolina to remove certain transient guests from the premises and establish procedures and consequences for removal, alongside related enforcement and property considerations.

Main Provisions and Changes

The bill adds new Section 45-2-65 to Chapter 2, Title 45 of the South Carolina Code, detailing conditions and processes for removing transient guests from RV parks. Key elements include:

  • Grounds for removal (A)(1): An RV park operator may remove a transient guest who, while on park premises, (a) illegally possesses or deals in a controlled substance, (b) disturbs the peace, quiet enjoyment, or comfort of others, (c) violates posted park rules and regulations, or (d) fails to pay rent at the agreed rate and time.

  • Non-discrimination (A)(2): Removal decisions must not be based on race, color, national origin, sex, physical disability, or creed.

  • Notice to guest (B): The park must provide written notice that it no longer desires to entertain the guest and requests immediate departure. The notice text is prescribed:

    • “You are hereby notified that this recreational vehicle park no longer desires to entertain you as a guest, and you are requested to leave at once. To remain after receipt of this notice is a misdemeanor under the laws of this State.”
    • If the guest prepaid, the park must refund the unused portion at the time of notice.

  • Consequences for remaining after notice (B): A guest who remains after being asked to leave commits a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $300, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both.

  • Outstanding rent and utilities (C): If a guest’s unpaid balance reaches an amount equal to three nights’ rent, the operator may disconnect all utilities to compel payment. This must be in writing and include a copy to the guest. Utilities must be reconnected once an agreement is reached.

  • Police assistance and arrest (D): If someone is illegally on the premises, park operators may seek aid from state law enforcement. Officers must remove or arrest violators per operator request. If a warrant exists, officers must serve it. The guest is considered to have abandoned or relinquished occupancy rights. The operator must care for any personal property left behind and refund unused funds. If immediate removal of property isn’t possible, the guest may arrange a reasonable time (not to exceed 48 hours) with the operator and a law enforcement officer to retrieve belongings.

  • Lease agreement grounds (E): In addition to other ejectment grounds, a written lease between the park operator and guest may establish grounds for eviction.

Affected Parties

  • Primary:
    • Operators/permittees of RV parks in South Carolina
    • Transient guests/customers of RV parks (panels of rights and obligations outlined)
  • Secondary:
    • Law enforcement officers (state level) who may assist in removal/arrest
    • Individuals with unpaid park charges (subject to utilities disconnection and collection processes)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon the Governor’s approval.
  • Notice and process timeline: Written notice to depart is mandatory when removing a guest; consequences for remaining after notice are immediate (misdemeanor penalties).
  • Utility disconnection: May occur once a guest’s debt reaches three nights’ rent, with formal written arrangement required and utilities reconnected upon agreement.
  • Property handling: Operators must safeguard guest property and refund unused lodging funds; guests have up to 48 hours to coordinate removal of property in certain circumstances.

Additional Notes

  • The bill includes explicit non-discrimination language for admission/removal decisions.
  • A co-sponsor is Billy Garrett.
  • The bill has undergone committee considerations with amendments and reported favorable status; it passed the described readings and is awaiting final actions on the legislative path.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language impact assessment for park operators and guests, or compare this bill to existing eviction/removal practices in similar jurisdictions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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