TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-1-320 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MAY ISSUE LICENSES TO PERSONS WHO WISH TO OPERATE FERAL SWINE HOLDING FACILITIES OR BECOME FERAL SWINE DEALERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO ALLOW THESE PERSONS TO HOLD FERAL SWINE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND SELL THEM OR MEAT PRODUCTS TAKEN FROM THEIR SLAUGHTERED CARCASSES COMMERCIALLY.

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

SECTION    1.    Chapter 1, Title 50 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 50-1-320.    (A)    Notwithstanding another provision of law, the Department of Natural Resources may issue licenses to persons who wish to operate feral swine holding facilities or become feral swine dealers.

(B)    Regulations promulgated pursuant to this section may allow the operator of a feral swine holding facility, or a feral swine dealer to hold feral swine on private property if they are kept in facilities that are:

(1)    maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times;

(2)    maintained in a condition that prevents the escape of captured swine;

(3)    not located close to domestic swine herds; and

(4)    designed to hold only feral swine.

(C)    Regulations promulgated pursuant to this section may allow operators of feral swine holding facilities or feral swine dealers to offer for sale on a commercial basis live feral swine or meat products taken from slaughtered feral swine carcasses."

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