Governor Henry McMaster will hold a ceremonial bill signing on Wednesday, June 3, for H.3034, known as Fargo’s, Hyco’s, Rico’s, Coba’s, Wick’s, Mikka’s, and Bumi’s Law. The legislation increases criminal penalties for injuring or killing law enforcement K-9s and horses while expanding financial protections connected to line-of-duty injuries and deaths involving police canines.

Handlers who have lost K-9 partners in the line of duty are expected to stand behind the Governor during the signing ceremony alongside selected members of the General Assembly.

Ceremony Information

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: 9/11 Memorial, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Legislation: H.3034
Bill Title: Fargo’s, Hyco’s, Rico’s, Coba’s, Wick’s, Mikka’s, and Bumi’s Law

SCFOP leadership will be present for the ceremony. Members who wish to attend may do so.

Governor Henry McMaster signed the legislation into law on May 15, following final passage by the South Carolina General Assembly. The bill was sponsored by Reps. Neal Collins and Chris Wooten.

The legislation strengthens South Carolina law related to the intentional injury or killing of police dogs and horses used by law enforcement agencies. Under the law, criminal penalties are increased for individuals convicted of harming law enforcement animals, including expanded felony penalties and restitution requirements intended to cover replacement, veterinary, and training costs associated with injured or killed police K-9s.

The law also authorizes payments through the State Accident Fund connected to line-of-duty injury or death involving patrol canines and law enforcement detection dogs. The provisions include reimbursement for veterinary treatment and financial assistance to agencies responsible for replacing fallen K-9s.

For SCFOP, the ceremonial signing represents the culmination of years of continued legislative advocacy surrounding protections for law enforcement K-9 teams. The SCFOP has supported enhanced criminal penalties and expanded recognition for police service animals for more than a decade as part of its legislative priorities.

The law’s title honors Fargo, Hyco, Rico, Coba, Wick, Mikka, and Bumi, police K-9s whose service and sacrifice became part of the broader effort to strengthen protections for working law enforcement animals across South Carolina.

This legislation recognizes something law enforcement officers have understood for a long time. Our K-9s are not equipment. They are trained partners that work beside officers in dangerous situations every day.

SCFOP President John Blackmon

“This bill has been a legislative priority for SCFOP for many years. We appreciate the members of the General Assembly and Governor McMaster for supporting stronger protections for law enforcement K-9s and for recognizing the sacrifices connected to these teams,” said John Blackmon, President of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police.

The June 3 ceremony is expected to bring together law enforcement leaders, K-9 handlers, legislators, and supporters of the bill at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center’s 9/11 Memorial. The presence of handlers who lost K-9 partners during the ceremony is expected to serve as a visible reminder of the real-world impact behind the legislation and the names carried in the bill title.

H.3034 received broad legislative support during the 2026 session before being ratified and signed into law.