Bill > H3556

This bill makes several changes to South Carolina's election laws, primarily focusing on how political party primary protests and contests are handled and how municipal elections are administered. Key provisions include requiring the State Executive Committee of a political party to hear protests and contests for county, less than county, and municipal officers, in addition to existing categories like federal and state officers. The bill also allows the State Executive Committee to require a bond with surety, not exceeding $750, to accompany any protest or contest filing, which would be refunded if the challenge is successful or if an appeal to the Supreme Court is granted. The timeframe for the State Executive Committee to hold these hearings is extended to within two weeks of the filing deadline, and appeals from their decisions can be taken directly to the Supreme Court. Furthermore, municipal primary protests and contests will now follow the same procedures as state-level party primaries, and several outdated sections of law related to primary protests and contests are repealed. The bill also adjusts the timing of municipal elections, introduces new provisions for term expirations, and modifies the establishment and responsibilities of municipal election commissions, with smaller municipalities (under 10,000 population) having their elections managed by county boards.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3556&session=126&summary=B