Bill > H4681

This bill amends South Carolina law to clarify the residency requirements for sheriff candidates by specifying that candidates must be residents of the county in which they seek office when they file their candidacy, rather than just at some point before the election. The bill maintains existing comprehensive qualifications for sheriff candidates, which include being a U.S. citizen, registered voter, at least 21 years old, and meeting specific educational and professional experience requirements (such as having a high school diploma or higher degree and at least one to five years of experience as a Class 1 certified law enforcement officer). The bill also preserves existing disqualifying conditions, such as having certain criminal convictions, and requires candidates to be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that exempts current sheriffs from some of the new requirements, ensuring that existing officeholders are not automatically disqualified by the new standards. The legislation will take effect upon the Governor's approval, potentially impacting future sheriff elections in South Carolina by establishing more precise residency documentation at the time of candidate filing.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4681&session=126&summary=B