South Carolina Senate Bill S0508

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/27/25

Caption

Monument and Memorial Protection

Impact

A key impact of this legislation is the financial consequences for local governments. If a county or municipality is found to be in violation of the provisions outlined in the bill, the State Treasurer is authorized to withhold disbursements from the Local Government Fund until compliance is achieved. This aims to enforce adherence to monument protection; however, it also raises concerns about potential financial strain on local entities if they inadvertently run afoul of the law. Furthermore, the bill enables private citizens, organizations, and entities to take civil action against violations, thereby empowering the public to play an active role in historical preservation.

Summary

Bill S0508 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by modifying section 10-1-165. The bill expands the types of monuments and memorials that are protected from relocation, removal, or disturbance to include a broader range of historical commemorations, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to preserving its heritage. Under this bill, any monument or memorial related to significant wars and historical figures cannot be altered or moved without following the strict provisions laid out in the law. This extends to both general historical monuments as well as specific plaques and markers associated with them.

Contention

Opponents of S0508 argue that the bill may infringe on local governance and community decision-making by imposing state-level mandates on how local entities manage their memorials. Critics fear that the emphasis on protection may hinder efforts allowed by local governments to address public sentiment and changing perspectives on historical figures and events commemorated by these monuments. Supporters, on the other hand, maintain that the bill safeguards important aspects of state heritage and history, asserting that these monuments serve as vital reminders of past sacrifices and cultural significance.