Bill > H4663

This bill amends South Carolina law regarding the qualifications for magistrate appointments, primarily requiring that after July 1, 2026, new magistrate appointees must be licensed attorneys in South Carolina. However, the bill provides an exception for counties with populations under 75,000, where magistrates can instead be appointed if they have a four-year baccalaureate degree. The bill maintains existing requirements that magistrate candidates must be U.S. and South Carolina citizens, have resided in the state for at least five years, and be at least 21 years old. In addition to the attorney licensing requirement (or degree alternative), these existing qualifications will continue to apply to new magistrate appointments. The bill will take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval, with the new requirements becoming operative on July 1, 2026, which provides a transition period for counties and potential magistrate candidates to adapt to the new standards.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4663&session=126&summary=B