The implications of H4398 on state laws are predominantly centered on the management of submerged historical and paleontological resources. By permitting magnet use for collection, the bill addresses growing public interest in recreational underwater archaeology while also establishing boundaries on what can be collected. This is particularly relevant in preserving underwater cultural heritage, as it prevents over-exploitation of these resources while still allowing hobbyists to engage in permitted activities.
Summary
House Bill H4398 proposes amendments to Section 54-7-670 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically targeting regulations around hobby licenses for recovering artifacts and fossils. The bill allows individuals holding a hobby license to utilize magnets in the collection of objects from submerged lands, thereby expanding the techniques permissible for amateur archaeological activities. Under the amended provisions, collectors would still be limited to items that do not require excavation, ensuring that the sustainability and conservation of submerged archaeological sites are maintained.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from the balance it seeks to achieve between promoting public interest in historical discovery and ensuring the protection of archaeological integrity. Critics may be concerned that allowing the use of magnets could lead to more intensive retrieval practices that could disturb delicate ecological and historical sites. Furthermore, clarifying the limitations on what can be collected and the requirement to report interrelated fossils to museums could motivate debates about the effectiveness of current laws to safeguard submerged resources.