Bill > S0426

This bill amends South Carolina law regarding the selection of circuit public defenders by changing the appointment process. Currently, the Circuit Public Defender Selection Panel nominates candidates, but under the new legislation, the Governor would directly appoint circuit public defenders with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill maintains the existing four-year term structure for public defenders and keeps other key provisions intact, such as requiring public defenders to be full-time state employees who cannot engage in private legal practice. The Circuit Public Defender Selection Panel would still play a role by recommending three candidates to the Governor, who would then choose one. The bill also preserves provisions about panel membership, including restrictions on who can serve (such as prohibiting solicitors or their employees from being panel members) and maintaining the requirement that panel members reside in their judicial circuit. The legislation ensures continuity of public defender appointments by specifying procedures for filling vacancies and allowing for reappointment, while shifting the final appointment authority from the panel to the Governor with Senate confirmation.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0426&session=126&summary=B