SC H3556

Centralizes all primary election protests and contests under the state executive committee of a political party, including those for county officers, less than county officers, and municipal officers, eliminating the previous system of municipal and county party committee hearings.

Allows state executive committees to require a refundable deposit up to $750 for filing any protest or contest, replacing the previous surety bond requirement.

Extends the deadline for hearing protests from Thursday following the filing deadline to the Saturday following the filing deadline.

Establishes direct appeals from state executive committee decisions to the South Carolina Supreme Court by petition for writ of certiorari, based only on the hearing record, with notice of appeal due within ten days.

Repeals six existing code sections (7-17-520 through 7-17-590) related to the previous multi-tiered protest and contest system for county, less than county, and municipal primary elections.