Senate advances boat‑insurance proposal; second reading of bill S.26 passes 24‑19

The South Carolina Senate on Tuesday advanced S.26 at second reading after a roll-call vote that passed 24 to 19.

Senator from Orangeburg, sponsor of the bill, told the chamber S.26 would require owners of watercraft meeting a horsepower threshold to carry liability insurance, citing testimony that most responsible boat owners already maintain policies and that coverage is widely available. “Most responsible boat owners already have this,” the sponsor said on the floor.

Senators asked questions about coverage limits, how homeowners or umbrella policies interact with the requirement, and why 70 horsepower was chosen as the cutoff. The sponsor said the threshold was a pragmatic choice to distinguish higher-power craft from canoes, kayaks and small trolling-motor boats and said typical policy costs discussed in committee ranged from about $40–$100.

A number of senators expressed concerns about potential costs and whether the required coverage levels would be adequate for catastrophic losses to docks or deaths; one senator noted replacement costs for a dock can be substantially higher than the baseline liability level discussed. The sponsor responded that testimony from the insurance industry indicated affordable options and that the bill would set a minimum liability requirement, not replace other avenues for recovery.

After debate, the Senate conducted a roll-call on second reading. The reading clerk called individual votes; the clerk later reported the second-reading tally as 24 in favor and 19 opposed. The presiding officer announced the bill received its second reading and was carried forward for further consideration in the legislative process.

The Senate also discussed related amendments during the calendar period and carried several amendments over for later consideration.