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SC H3530
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/14/2025
Primary Sponsor
Weston Newton
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires candidates for magistrate positions to be reviewed by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission before the Governor's appointment, with candidates found not qualified being ineligible for appointment
- Beginning July 1, 2026, new magistrate appointees must hold a juris doctor degree and be members in good standing of the South Carolina Bar; current magistrates serving as of June 30, 2026 are grandfathered in
- Increases civil jurisdiction of magistrates court from $7,500 to $25,000 for contract claims, property damage, and other civil actions (effective July 1, 2028)
- Expands criminal jurisdiction from fines up to $500 and 30 days imprisonment to fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment up to one year (effective July 1, 2030)
- Limits magistrate holdover status to 14 days after term expiration, after which the Governor may make temporary appointments until Senate confirmation
Legislative Description
Magistrates' Reform Act
Last Action
Debate adjourned until Tuesday, March 24.
3/3/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary12/5/2024
Full Bill Text
No bill text available