ARTICLE XIV

S.C. Const. (1895)

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Section 1

The State shall have concurrent jurisdiction on all rivers bordering on this State, so far as such rivers shall form a common boundary to this and any other State bounded by the same; and they, together with all navigable waters within the limits of the State, shall be common highways and forever free, as well to the inhabitants of this State as to the citizens of the United States, without any tax or impost therefor, unless the same be expressly provided for by the General Assembly.
Editor’s Note
For similar provisions in Constitution of 1868, see Const 1868, Art VI, Section 1.

Section 2

The title to all lands and other property which have heretofore accrued to this State by grant, gift, purchase, forfeiture, escheats or otherwise shall vest in the State of South Carolina, the same as though no change had taken place.
Editor’s Note
For similar provisions in Constitution of 1868, see Const 1868, Art VI, Section 2.

Section 3

The people of the State are declared to possess the ultimate property in and to all lands within the jurisdiction of the State; and all lands the title to which shall fail from defect of heirs shall revert or escheat to the people.
Editor’s Note
For similar provisions in Constitution of 1868, see Const 1868, Art VI, Section 3.

Section 4

All navigable waters shall forever remain public highways free to the citizens of the State and the United States without tax, impost or toll imposed; and no tax, toll, impost or wharfage shall be imposed, demanded or received from the owners of any merchandise or commodity for the use of the shores or any wharf erected on the shores or in or over the waters of any navigable stream unless the same be authorized by the General Assembly. (1970 (56) 2684; 1971 (57) 315.)
Editor’s Note
This section was originally Section 28 of Article I. It was transferred to its present location by the amendment ratified by 1971 Act No 276 (1971 (57) 315) which effected the revision of that article. For similar provisions in Constitution of 1868, see former Art I, Section 40.

Section 5

Editor’s Note
This section, entitled “Slum clearance and redevelopment; acquisition of air rights and surface rights”, was reserved by 2007 Act No. 15. As to taking of land to remedy blight, see S.C. Const. Art. I, Section 13.