The proposed bill, known as the Magistrates' Reform Act, aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance the qualifications and selection process for magistrates. It introduces a new section, 2-19-115, which mandates that candidates for magistrate positions be reviewed by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, similar to other judicial candidates, and defines the circumstances under which a vacancy occurs. Additionally, it amends Section 22-1-10 to require that all future magistrates hold a Juris Doctor degree and be members in good standing of the South Carolina Bar, while also establishing procedures and limitations on holdover status for magistrates. Current magistrates serving on June 30, 2025, are grandfathered in under the existing qualifications.

The bill further increases the civil and criminal jurisdiction of magistrates' courts by amending Sections 22-3-10 and 22-3-550, allowing for higher monetary claims and penalties. It also repeals outdated provisions related to the selection of magistrates, specifically Sections 22-2-10 and 22-2-15, which pertain to a screening committee and special elections for nonpartisan selection. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 2-19-115, 22-1-10, 22-1-15, 22-3-10, 22-3-550, 22-2-10
02/05/2026: 2-19-115, 22-1-10, 22-1-15, 22-3-10, 22-3-550, 22-2-10
Latest Version: 2-19-115, 22-1-10, 22-1-15, 22-3-10, 22-3-550, 22-2-10