Bill > H4160

This bill modifies the judicial circuit structure in South Carolina by converting five existing at-large circuit court judge seats into specific resident seats across different judicial circuits. Specifically, the bill changes the number of at-large judges from sixteen to seven and converts one at-large seat each to resident seats in the Third, Ninth, Eleventh, and Seventh Circuits, and multiple seats in the Fifth and Twelfth Circuits. Each converted seat will be assigned a specific circuit and seat number, essentially changing how these judges are selected and where they must reside. For example, At-large Circuit Court Seat 1 will become Third Circuit Court Seat 3, and At-large Circuit Court Seat 14 will become Seventh Circuit Seat 3. The bill importantly stipulates that current judges serving in these converted at-large seats will not need to undergo additional screening until their current term ends, ensuring minimal disruption to the existing judicial workforce. The changes will take effect upon approval by the Governor, providing a smooth transition in the state's judicial circuit structure.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4160&session=126&summary=B