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S 1084

SCDNR Dive Team

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kent Williams

South Carolina authorizes SCDNR to establish a dive team for underwater search, rescue, recovery, and environmental monitoring operations.

Introduced and adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1084

Legislative bill overview

S 1084 authorizes the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to establish and operate a specialized dive team. The bill provides the agency with legal authority to conduct underwater search, rescue, and recovery operations, as well as environmental monitoring activities in state waters.

Why is this important

Dive operations are critical for water safety emergencies, missing person cases, and environmental assessments in a state with extensive coastal areas and inland waterways. Formalizing this capability ensures proper training standards, liability protections, and operational protocols for dangerous underwater work.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanisms – The bill's language on how the dive team will be funded (general appropriations, grants, or dedicated revenue sources) and whether existing SCDNR budgets can absorb these costs
  • Scope of authority – Unclear definitions of when the dive team can operate across county/municipal jurisdictions versus private waters, and coordination with local law enforcement
  • Equipment and training standards – Whether the bill mandates specific certifications, safety protocols, and equipment quality, or leaves standards to agency discretion

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

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