Transportation committee clears several specialty plates and codifies “limited term” ID language

The South Carolina Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday moved a slate of specialty license‑plate measures and a driver‑license amendment, approving favorable reports on tribal-government plates, a Quail Forever conservation plate and a blackout design, while also adopting language to codify the DMV’s existing "limited term" designation for certain noncitizen driver licenses.

David Owens, speaking for staff, described S869, which "simply allows the DMV to produce tribal government license plates." Committee members asked whether the bill would apply only to federally recognized tribes or to tribes recognized by the state; Hannah Warner of the DMV said she believed the bill contemplated state‑recognized tribes and that she would confirm the detail.

The committee voted to give S869 a favorable report and took up the House companion H5131, which the panel also favorably reported.

On S904, which would create a Quail Forever specialty plate, senators asked whether proceeds would leave the state; the chair and staff said the extra proceeds would be credited to the Department of Natural Resources’ Game Protection Fund for the South Carolina Bobwhite initiative and would remain in state.

Senators also approved S1119, a blackout plate proposal described as having a solid black background with white characters; Owens said the bill would add a special‑plate fee, with an additional $40 credited to the state highway fund and a $60 charge for personalized versions every two years.

The committee then varied the agenda to consider a bill from Senator Goldfinch that would require a designation on licenses for legal noncitizens. Goldfinch told the committee the proposal "simply would eliminate that confusion" at the polling place by marking certain licenses; the chair offered an amendment, at DMV’s request, to use the phrase "limited term" to align statutory language with current DMV and Real ID practice. DMV staff and committee members said the state Election Commission is aware of the policy; the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a favorable report as amended.

A final highway‑safety bill from Representative Erickson — requiring drivers to move over for flashing lights ahead on highways — also received a favorable report.

One high‑profile item on the agenda did not advance: S1036, which would allow a renter to agree that their personal insurance is primary when operating a rental car, failed to receive a favorable report after extended debate and a recorded count.

With committee business concluded, the panel adjourned.