Bill > H4668

This bill makes several changes to the laws governing magistrates in South Carolina. First, it requires that candidates for magistrate positions be reviewed by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, a body that already reviews other judicial candidates, when a vacancy occurs. A vacancy is defined as a term expiring, a new position being created, or a magistrate leaving due to resignation, retirement, disciplinary action, disability, or death. Second, the bill significantly increases the civil jurisdiction of magistrates' courts, raising the maximum amount for various types of civil cases, such as contract disputes and claims for damages, from $7,500 to $15,000. Finally, it mandates that the personnel provided for magistrates in each county must include at least one licensed attorney in good standing with the South Carolina Bar, with counties having over 90,000 residents requiring two or more licensed attorneys.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4668&session=126&summary=B