Bill 467

                    Current Status

Bill Number:               467
Ratification Number:       561
Act Number:                469
Introducing Body:          Senate
Subject:                   Provide that it is lawful for crab
                           processors to import blue crabs of less than
                           the minimum size from other states

(A469, R561, S467)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-17-1821, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS LAWFUL FOR CRAB PROCESSORS TO IMPORT BLUE CRABS OF LESS THAN THE MINIMUM SIZE FROM OTHER STATES IF THEY OBTAIN PERMITS FROM THE DIVISION OF MARINE RESOURCES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-17-1820, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MINIMUM SIZE OF BLUE CRABS WHICH MAY BE CAUGHT OR POSSESSED SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CONSERVATION OFFICERS MAY INSPECT FOR VIOLATIONS ONLY PRIOR TO THE PROCESSING OF THE CRABS.

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

Permit required

SECTION 1. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 50-17-1821. It is lawful for crab processors licensed under the laws of this State to import blue crabs of less than the minimum size limit specified by Section 50-17-1820 from other states.

A permit for such purpose must be obtained from the Division of Marine Resources. Each shipment or load of imported crabs shall have with it either an invoice from a licensed harvester or dealer in that State or a certificate from an appropriate agency verifying that the crabs were taken in that State."

Conservation officers may inspect

SECTION 2. Section 50-17-1820 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 142 of 1979, is further amended by adding at the end:

"Conservation officers may inspect for violations of laws contained in this title pertaining to blue crabs only prior to the processing of the crabs."

Time effective

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon approval by the Governor.