Senate weighs peer-to-peer car‑sharing rules; insurance, taxes questioned

Senators considered S.307, legislation to regulate peer‑to‑peer car‑sharing in South Carolina, adopting a committee amendment and carrying the bill over for one day to allow additional review.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Klimmer, told the chamber the measure is modeled on laws other states have adopted and seeks to balance consumer protections with opportunities for owners to earn from idle vehicles. Klimmer said the measure “provides a framework” to address liability and coverage for short‑term vehicle rentals facilitated by car‑sharing platforms.

The measure’s committee amendment was adopted on a voice vote. Senators then questioned practical effects: a senator from Chester asked whether local tax structures would change; Klimmer said no, stating property taxes, registration and similar local levies would remain the same. Other senators pressed on personal‑insurance impacts and premium risk. Klimmer said peer‑to‑peer platforms typically offer insurance and that the bill mirrors the interplay that exists between personal policies and rental‑car insurance.

Klimmer said the bill draws from model language provided by the National Conference of Insurance Legislators and includes work originating with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

After debate, the Senate adopted the committee amendment and the sponsor agreed to a motion to carry the bill over for one day to give members time to consult with stakeholders and insurers. The motion to carry the bill was made and approved.

The matter will return to the calendar after the day‑long carryover to allow additional review by members and discussions with insurers and local officials.