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SC H4755
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Gil Gatch
Click for details
AI Summary
- Transfers authority over the Judicial Merit Selection Commission from legislative leaders to the Governor, who will appoint all 12 members and staff the commission through the Governor's Office
- Prohibits current General Assembly members and their immediate family (spouse, children, siblings) from serving on the commission; former legislators and their families must wait at least two years after leaving office
- Bars the commission from considering race, gender, sex, sexual preference, religion, national origin, or any diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria in nominations and appointments
- Requires "clear and convincing evidence" to find a candidate unqualified, prohibits anonymous survey data from supporting such findings, and mandates detailed written explanations with specific factual references
- Adds magistrate candidates to the commission's review process and takes effect July 1, 2027
Legislative Description
Judicial Selection Reform
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
2/12/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/12/2026
Judiciary12/16/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available