(1) After notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, the State Fire Marshal may assess a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars for each violation of this chapter. In determining the amount of the penalty, the State Fire Marshal shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, the degree of culpability, the history of previous offenses, the ability to pay, the effect of the penalty on the ability to continue to operate, and any other matter that justice requires. (2) The State Fire Marshal may refer any civil penalty to the Attorney General for collection. (3) All civil penalties collected must be deposited in the general fund of the State. HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 480, Section 9.
South Carolina Legal Code