The bill H. 3033 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the Judicial Merit Selection Commission and the election of judges and justices. It specifically requires attorney-legislators serving on the commission to recuse themselves from voting and the screening process for any judges or justices they have appeared before, or have had appearances with, in the preceding five years. This amendment is reflected in both Section 2-19-5 and Section 2-19-90 of the code, ensuring that potential conflicts of interest are addressed in the judicial selection process.

Additionally, the bill outlines the composition and appointment process for the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, stipulating that members must be in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and have at least ten years of legal experience. It also includes provisions for the terms of service, eligibility for appointment, and the handling of vacancies on the commission. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency in the judicial selection process in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 2-19-5, 2-19-90
Latest Version: 2-19-5, 2-19-90
12/06/2024: 2-19-5, 2-19-90