COMMITTEE REPORT

April 16, 2015

H. 3203

S. Printed 4/16/15--H.

Read the first time January 13, 2015.

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 3203) to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding Section 56-5-245 so as to define the term "utility trailer" and to provide for the equipment, etc., respectfully

That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/ SECTION    1.    This act may be cited as "Charlie's Law".

SECTION    2.    Section 56-5-5150 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-5150.    (A)    As used in this section, a 'vehicle' includes, but is not limited to a utility trailer. When a vehicle is towing another vehicle on a public road or highway, the towing vehicle must be attached to the towed vehicle by a two safety chain, chains or cable devices, or equivalent device in addition to the regular drawbar, tongue, trailer hitch, or other connection trailer coupler with trailer ball and hinch pin.

(B)    The safety connections or attachments must be of sufficient strength to maintain connection of the towed vehicle to the pulling vehicle under all conditions while the towed vehicle is being pulled by the towing vehicle.

(C)    The provisions of this section do not apply to vehicles using a hitch known as a fifth wheel and kingpin assembly. No part of this section shall conflict with the requirements of a vehicle subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

(D)    A violation of this section is subject to a penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars or thirty days imprisonment."

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

MERITA A. ALLISON for Committee.

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-245 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "UTILITY TRAILER" AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EQUIPMENT THAT MUST BE USED TO ATTACH A TOWING VEHICLE TO A UTILITY TRAILER.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Subarticle I, Article 3, Chapter 5, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-5-245.    The term 'utility trailer', when used in Section 56-3-400 to 56-3-420, means, and includes any trailer suitable for towing by a private passenger automobile, the use of which is confined to the private hauling of personal property for intrastate or interstate use, or combined intrastate and interstate use. When a vehicle is towing a utility trailer on a public road or highway, the towing vehicle must be attached to the towed vehicle by a safety chain, cable, or equivalent device in addition to the regular drawbar, mounted trailer, and tongue and trailer coupler. The safety connections or attachments must be of sufficient strength to maintain connection of the towed vehicle to the pulling vehicle under all conditions while the towed vehicle is being pulled by the towing vehicle. The provisions of this section do not apply to vehicles using a hitch known as a fifth wheel and kingpin assembly."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.