SC H5133

Creates the Circuit Solicitors' Qualifications Commission, an 8-member body appointed by the Governor with authority to recommend discipline, removal, or forced involuntary retirement of elected circuit solicitors

Divides the commission into a 5-member investigative panel (responsible for investigations and hiring staff) and a 3-member hearing panel (responsible for adjudicating charges and issuing standards)

Establishes grounds for discipline including mental/physical incapacity, willful misconduct in office, willful and persistent failure to perform duties, conviction of a crime of moral turpitude, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice

Requires complaints against solicitors to be filed as sworn affidavits and prohibits complaints based solely on charging decisions, plea offers, or bond recommendations unless bias, undisclosed conflicts, or categorical refusal to prosecute certain offenses can be shown

Commission must be operational by July 1, 2026, with rules established by July 1, 2027; solicitors removed under this process are disqualified from holding the office for 10 years