Bill > H4805

This bill makes changes to the judicial seat allocation in South Carolina by converting several at-large circuit and family court judicial seats to resident seats in specific circuits. For circuit court judges, the bill transforms three at-large seats (Seats 7, 1, and 4) into resident seats in the First, Third, and Eighth Judicial Circuits, respectively. In the family court system, four at-large seats (Seats 8, 4, 6, and 3) are converted to resident seats in the Fifth, Tenth, and Twelfth Judicial Circuits. The bill increases the number of judges in the Fifth Circuit from four to six and the Tenth Circuit from three to four family court judges. Importantly, the legislation ensures that judges currently serving in these at-large seats will not need to undergo additional screening until the end of their current term. This change aims to ensure more localized representation by requiring judges to reside in the specific circuit they serve, which can potentially improve judicial understanding of local community needs and increase accountability. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor of South Carolina.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4805&session=126&summary=B