SC S0696

Transfers all 12 appointments to the South Carolina Judicial Merit Selection Commission from the General Assembly to the Governor, requiring 8 members be South Carolina Bar members in good standing and no more than 4 be law enforcement professionals

Prohibits current General Assembly members, their spouses, children, or siblings from serving on the Commission; former legislators must wait at least 2 years after leaving office before qualifying for selection

Bans consideration of race, gender, sex, sexual preference, color, religion, national origin, or any diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria in making judicial nominations and appointments

Requires written testimony for public hearings be submitted at least 72 hours in advance, and makes copies of testimony available at no charge

Removes floor privileges for immediate family members of judicial candidates (including those serving in the General Assembly) while the candidate's application is under review; current commission members must vacate seats by February 1, 2027