On March 18th, Senator Andrew Jones introduced Senate Bill 234 in the Legislature. The Bill is for Cherokee County only with the purpose of permitting, inspection, and operation of off-road vehicle parks and to provide fines for violations.

Since the Bill is a local Bill for Cherokee County and there is only one  ATV Park in the County, this Bill was written to regulate Indian Mountain ATV Park in the southeastern area of Cherokee County.

The Bill provides the issuance of a Permit for operation by the County Commission at a issuance fee of no more than $50. In order for the permit to be issued or renewed, the Park must provide a contractual agreement of emergency services, a detailed map of the area with physical boundaries, each riding trail, each creek, stream or water channel in the Park, any areas of the Park off road vehicles are prohibited, access points, Name and Address of Liability Insurance Carrier and All Other Certifications or approvals necessary to operate the Park. The Bill also provides for Inspections as required by the Commission by the County License Inspector and/or the State Forrester and the Park Operator would be liable for Cost of Required Inspections.

Senator Jones introduced the Bill on a State-wide basis during the 2024 Legislative Session but it failed to gain support.  During the current Legislative Session, he introduced the Bill as a Local Bill Only. It was first read on March 18, read for the second time and place on Senate Calendar on March 19, Read for 3rd time on April 1 with a motion to read and pass, April 3rd was read for the first time in the House and referred to the House Committee on County and Municipal Government and now is pending action by the Committee.

The Legislature reconvenes on April 8th.

If the Bill passes in the House and is signed by the Governor, it would go into effect June 1st.