The bill H. 3556 aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning the authority and procedures related to political party primary protests and contests. It specifically expands the responsibilities of the state executive committee to include hearing protests and contests for county officers, less than county officers, and municipal officers, in addition to federal and state officers. The bill also allows the state executive committee to adopt a resolution requiring that any protest or contest be accompanied by a bond with surety, not exceeding $750, to cover the costs of the hearing if the challenge is denied. Furthermore, it establishes that appeals from the committee's decisions must be made directly to the Supreme Court.

Additionally, the bill modifies the timeline for hearings on primary protests and contests, requiring the executive committee to conduct these hearings within two weeks of the filing deadline. It also mandates that municipal primary protests and contests be filed, heard, and decided in accordance with the newly amended sections. The bill repeals several existing sections related to primary protests and contests, streamlining the process and consolidating the relevant legal framework. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 7-17-560, 7-17-570, 5-15-80, 7-17-520
03/20/2025: 7-17-560, 7-17-570, 5-15-80, 7-17-520
03/26/2025: 7-17-560, 7-17-570, 5-15-80, 7-17-520
03/27/2025: 7-17-560, 7-17-570, 5-15-80, 7-17-520
Latest Version: 7-17-560, 7-17-570, 5-15-80, 7-17-520