SC H4814

Raises education requirements for new magistrate appointments starting July 1, 2026, requiring either: an associate/bachelor's degree with 6 years of legal experience (or 3 years if degree is in criminal justice/legal studies), a master's/doctoral degree with 3 years of legal experience (or 1 year if in criminal justice/legal studies), or a Juris Doctor degree

Maintains existing requirements that magistrate candidates must be U.S. and South Carolina citizens, state residents for at least 5 years, and at least 21 years old

Allows senatorial delegations to include state House delegation members and county residents on screening committees that assist in selecting magistrate nominees

Requires screening committees in counties with fewer than 5 delegation members to appoint at least 3 public members to the committee

Takes effect upon Governor's approval