summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Crossed Over
03/27/2025
03/27/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 7-17-560, Relating To The Authority Of The State Executive Committee Of A Political Party To Hear Certain Primary Protests And Contests, So As To Require The State Executive Committee To Also Hear Protests And Contests In The Case Of County Officers, Less Than County Officers, And Municipal Officers, To Authorize The State Executive Committee To Adopt A Resolution To Require The Filing Of Any Protest Or Contest To Be Accompanied By A Bond With Surety, And To Provide For Appeals From Decisions By The State Executive Committee; By Amending Section 7-17-570, Relating To Hearings Of Primary Protests And Contests, So As To Extend The Time In Which The State Executive Committee Must Conduct Such Hearings; By Amending Section 5-15-80, Relating To Municipal Primary Protests And Contests, So As To Provide That Such Protests And Contests Are To Be Filed, Heard, And Decided In The Manner Provided In Sections 7-17-560 And 7-17-570; And By Repealing Sections 7-17-520, 7-17-530, 7-17-540, 7-17-550, 7-17-580, And 7-17-590 All Relating To Primary Protests And Contests For Certain Offices.
AI Summary
This bill expands the authority of the State Executive Committee of a political party to hear protests and contests related to primary elections, now including those for county, less than county, and municipal officers, in addition to existing categories like federal and state officers. It allows the committee to require a bond with surety, not exceeding $750, to accompany any protest or contest filing, which will be refunded if the challenge is successful or if a higher court grants an appeal. The bill also extends the timeframe for the committee to hold these hearings and streamlines the process for municipal primary protests and contests by directing them to follow the same procedures as state-level ones, while repealing older, now redundant sections of the law. Additionally, it clarifies when newly elected municipal officers can take office, ensuring incumbents hold over during election contests, and designates the State Election Commission to certify election results if local bodies fail to do so.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Read third time and returned to House with amendments (on 04/15/2026)
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