S40 Signed into law by The Governor!
Bill S40, which was written to help ensure the right of all South Carolinians to access and freely use our states beaches, was signed into law this afternoon.
Senate Bill 40 cleared the Senate in April with unanimous approval and the House of Representatives in May with only 10 votes against it. The overwhelming support it received in both the House and the Senate is a testament to how important it is to the vast majority of South Carolinians to protect public access to our beaches. Today, Governor Henry McMaster signed the bill into law. He deserves sincere appreciation from all of his for his decision to stand firm in defense of the public’s right to access our beaches. This is a continuation of the same commitment he demonstrated in his years as United States Attorney and as South Carolina Attorney General to protect the public’s interest in marshlands, submerged lands and other public resources. Our joint efforts and the advocacy of Senator Grooms for this issue and the incredible and professional handling of the entire matter by Secretary Hall at SCDOT made this effort a success. We all hope we will see an end to efforts by the municipal governments at beach islands to bar the public from using the beaches. We hope for that. But we know it may not be how they react to this new law. And for that reason, we all need to resolve to stay informed and stay active.
The Isle of Palms is the biggest case in point. Its leaders continue to act as though they can do whatever they want on the state owned and maintained roads on that island. They continue to talk about taking steps guaranteed to limit beach access. We cannot allow them to get in the back door what they failed to get in the front door – a drastic limit on how many people can access the beach. The leaders of the Isle of Palms must understand that what they started when they illegally seized control of the Isle of Palms connector last spring has led to a fundamental and unshakeable public resolve to never be denied access to state bridges, roadways or any beach again. This new law will should also help remove all “residential only” parking along state owned roads within these beach communities. Whatever schemes get rolled out, and we hope there will be none, to harass and otherwise deter beach visitors will not go unnoticed and will be opposed with every bit of the same enthusiasm that led to the passage of Senate Bill 40. For now, everyone should celebrate and take a few minutes to send notes of thanks to Governor McMaster, Senator Grooms and Secretary Hall for their fine examples of public service (there were many others involved as well and if you know who they are thank them).
Our public land, especially our beaches, are for everyone to enjoy! See y’all on the beach ; )