Committee Report

February 19, 2025

 

S. 165

 

Introduced by Senators Campsen and Graham

 

S. Printed 2/19/25--S.

Read the first time January 14, 2025

 

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The committee on Senate Fish, Game and Forestry

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 165) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws so as to enact the "South Carolina Conservation Education Act"; and by adding Section 50-9-980 so as to establish the South, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

 

GEORGE CAMPSEN for Committee.

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CONSERVATION EDUCATION ACT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-980 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSERVATION EDUCATION FUND AND THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH REVENUES IN THE FUND MAY BE EXPENDED.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Conservation Education Act".

 

SECTION 2.  Article 9, Chapter 9, Title 50 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 50-9-980.  (A) The South Carolina Conservation Education Fund is established for the purpose of connecting youth with nature through classroom and outdoor natural resource conservation education.

    (B) The fund is eligible to receive appropriations of state general funds, federal funds, local government funds, donations, gifts, and grants.

    (C) Revenues for the fund must be remitted to the State Treasurer and credited to an account that is separate and distinct from the general fund. Balances in the fund must be retained and carried forward annually and interest earned on balances in the fund must be credited to the fund.

    (D) Revenues from the fund must only be used by the department for the purpose of connecting youth with nature through classroom and outdoor natural resource conservation education programs approved by the department, to include, but is not limited to:

       (1) funding for natural resource conservation education classes and programs approved by the department; and

       (2) funding for youth to attend outdoor natural resource conservation education programs approved by the department.

 

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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