Bill > H4300

This bill modifies the retirement system for judges, solicitors, and circuit public defenders in South Carolina by making two primary changes. First, it reduces the years of service required for vesting from ten to eight years, meaning judges can become eligible for retirement benefits after eight years of service instead of ten. Second, the bill raises the mandatory retirement age from seventy-two to seventy-four, giving judges and solicitors two additional years to serve in their positions. The bill allows judges who are currently seventy-two years old in 2025 to continue serving if their seat has been screened and a successor elected, with the caveat that they cannot earn additional service credit beyond eight years. The changes apply to members who have not yet reached seventy-four years of age by January 1, 2026, and provide some flexibility for retirement while continuing to serve, such as allowing judges to continue receiving their retirement benefits while serving in the General Assembly or continuing to work after reaching retirement age under certain conditions. These modifications aim to provide more flexibility and opportunities for judicial and solicitor personnel in the state's retirement system.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4300&session=126&summary=B