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H 3851

Sunscreen devices

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Wooten

Allows law enforcement vehicles transporting trained police canines to bypass sunscreening restrictions previously applicable to other vehicles.

Recommitted to Committee on Education and Public Works
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3851

Summary — H 3851 (titled “Sunscreen devices”)

Note: the provided file includes mixed materials from more than one jurisdiction (a Massachusetts House docket/resolution concerning Cambodia and a South Carolina statutory amendment concerning vehicle “sunscreening”). This summary focuses on the sunscreening statutory amendment text (S.C. Code §56-5-5015(H)) referenced in the bill titled “Sunscreen devices.” I also note procedural entries from the file where available; some dates/committee references appear duplicated or inconsistent across the record.

Purpose

To amend South Carolina law governing vehicle window sunscreening (tinted or reflective material) to make clear that the sunscreening rules do not apply to certain law enforcement vehicles — specifically vehicles regularly used to transport law enforcement-trained canines.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 56-5-5015(H) of the South Carolina Code.
  • Retains the existing medical exemption: a motor vehicle registered to a person (or their guardian) may have noncompliant sunscreening if the operator carries an affidavit signed by a South Carolina-licensed physician or optometrist stating a medical need; the affidavit must be kept in the vehicle and updated every two years and produced on request by law enforcement.
  • Adds a new exemption clause: the prohibition on certain sunscreening materials does not apply to “a law enforcement vehicle used regularly to transport a canine trained for law enforcement purposes.”
  • Effective upon approval by the Governor.

Who is affected

  • Law enforcement agencies in South Carolina: vehicles regularly transporting trained police K-9s would be permitted to have sunscreening that would otherwise violate §56-5-5015.
  • Drivers and vehicle owners generally: no change to the existing medical affidavit process or to the prohibition as applied to ordinary civilian vehicles.
  • Law enforcement officers performing vehicle inspections or traffic stops: they may no longer cite certain K-9 transport vehicles under the sunscreening rule.

Procedural / timeline information (as provided)

  • Bill text dated 01/30/2025 (bill language amending S.C. Code).
  • Listed to take effect upon gubernatorial approval.
  • The provided legislative action entries include introductions, referrals, and hearing schedules (some entries list hearings scheduled for 11/13/2025). The record also shows multiple committee referrals and duplicate/corroborating entries; these appear inconsistent and may reflect combined records from different jurisdictions.

Administrative note

Because the source document mixes a Massachusetts House resolution (condemning political oppression in Cambodia) with a South Carolina statutory amendment on sunscreen devices, readers should verify the bill number, jurisdiction and current status with the official legislative website for the relevant state (South Carolina General Assembly or the submitting body) before taking action or relying on the record for legal compliance.

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

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