The bill H. 3065 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 17-15-175, which establishes new procedures regarding the issuance of bench warrants for failure to appear in court. Specifically, it stipulates that a judge may not issue a bench warrant unless the solicitor has provided prior notice to the attorney of record and has conspicuously posted a list of potential bench warrants at the courthouse and on the solicitor's website at least forty-eight hours before the request for the warrant. However, this requirement does not apply if the presiding judge issues the warrant on their own accord or if the individual has been personally served with an appearance date.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that clarifies the impact of its enactment on existing laws, stating that any repeal or amendment does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities that were established under the previous law. This ensures that all laws repealed or amended by this act remain in effect for the purpose of sustaining any ongoing legal matters as of the effective date of the act. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 17-15-175
Latest Version: 17-15-175