Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends liability rules, damage awards, and insurance requirements for bars, restaurants, and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina.

Highlights:

• Amends provisions related to liability rules in South Carolina, requiring businesses to pay economic damages in proportion to their level of fault in said incident (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that if a business is found to be more than 50% at fault for the incident, then it is required to pay the full amount of economic damages (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that noneconomic and punitive damages in all incidents shall be shared in responsibility based on each party’s level of fault (Sec. 1). 

• Amends the minimum required liquor liability insurance coverage from $1 million to the following amounts (Sec. 8):

• $500,000 for a person licensed or permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption that remains open after 5:00 pm; or

• $300,000 for certified nonprofit corporations.

• Specifies that a violation of the provisions of this bill is admissible as evidence in a civil action if the violation is a proximate cause of the claimed damages (Sec. 10). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect upon approval by the Governor (Sec. 22). 

Full Bill Text