Columbia, S.C. – State Representative Randy Ligon (R – District 43) joined Governor Henry McMaster, leaders from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, key legislators, and other stakeholders today at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens for a formal bill-signing ceremony to commemorate Act 177 of the 2020 legislative session.
The new state law and regulations enabled by H. 4831 will provide significant protections for South Carolina’s native turtle populations, as well as other native reptiles and amphibians.Rep. Ligon, whose district covers portions of Chester and York counties, was one of the key sponsors of H. 4831.
Last year, law enforcement captured the leader of a national reptile and amphibian smuggling ring in Chester County. In response, Ligon co-sponsored a bill (H. 4831) that increases protections for native wildlife like the Eastern Box turtle. The bill passed the House by an overwhelming margin and passed the Senate unanimously. It is exceedingly rare for the General Assembly to act so quickly on an issue, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
“Wildlife traffickers have no place in South Carolina. These common-sense protections will protect our native species and preserve them for future generations,” said Rep. Ligon. “I’m thankful for the bi-partisan coalition that worked together to get this bill across the finish line.”
For more information on H. 4831, click here.