The bill H. 3065 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 17-15-175, which establishes new procedures for issuing bench warrants for failure to appear in court. Under this new provision, a circuit court judge is prohibited from issuing a general sessions court 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 bench warrant. However, this requirement does not apply if the presiding judge issues the bench warrant on their own accord or if the individual has been personally served with an appearance date.

Additionally, the bill includes a clause that clarifies that the repeal or amendment of any law by this act does not affect any pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities that were established under the previous law. This ensures that all laws that are repealed or amended remain in effect for the purpose of sustaining any ongoing legal matters or rights that existed prior to the enactment of this bill. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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