COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers are pushing a new bill intended to “overhaul” how the state handles cases of impaired driving or driving under the influence (DUI).
State Sen. Tom Davis of District 45 prefiled Senate Bill S.52 in Dec. 2024, ahead of the ongoing legislative session. It was introduced for the first time last month.
It includes more than a dozen sections aimed at filling gaps in the state’s current DUI laws:
- Those convicted of DUI may be required to pay fines, face incarceration and/or attend DUI victim impact panels.
- Felony charges for reckless driving resulting in great or moderate bodily injury.
- Felony charges for DUI second degree causing “moderate bodily injury” or damage to property valued at more than $25,000.
- Offenders may be required to pay child support if a caregiver is killed or disabled in a collision, also called “Bentley’s Law."
Despite the measures, South Carolina is rated one of the worst in the nation for DUI fatalities.
According to a study by Atlanta-based accident attorneys, Monge and Associates, South Carolina ranks number two in the nation with 7.7 deaths for every 100,000 residents.
The bill was referred to a Senate committee on Jan. 14 and is awaiting consideration at this time.
