The United States Code speaks on lighthouses in 33 U.S.C. § 711- § 776. Federal administration of lighthouses began with the 9th Act passed by the First Congress of the United States. You can read more about the history of lighthouse administration from the United States Lighthouse Society here.
The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) was created in 2000 to create opportunity to preserve federally owned light stations across the United States. The text of the bill, which became Public Law No. 106-355, can be found here.
The state established a special fund for restoration of the Morris Island Lighthouse through license plate fees, found in S.C. Code Ann. § 56-3-9400. This law works with Save the Light, Inc. in issuing specialized emblems or license plates with the funds being dedicated to preservation and restoration of the lighthouse. The specialized license plate must be reissued every 24 months after the first time it is issued.
Laws regarding relations with the United States and the operation or cession of lighthouses can be found in S.C. Code Ann. § 3-3-10. State laws regarding interference with lighthouses as navigational aids can be found in S.C. Code Ann. § 54-11-10.
The National Historic Preservation Act by