The bill H. 3599 proposes an amendment to Section 22-3-545 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which governs the transfer of certain criminal cases from general sessions court. The key change in this legislation is the increase in the maximum penalty for cases eligible for transfer from one year to three years of imprisonment. This adjustment allows for a broader range of criminal cases, specifically those with penalties not exceeding three years, to be transferred from general sessions court, thereby potentially alleviating the court's caseload.

The bill aims to streamline the judicial process by enabling the transfer of cases that may not warrant the resources of a general sessions court, thus allowing for more efficient handling of lower-level offenses. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor, reflecting a legislative effort to enhance the efficiency of the criminal justice system in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 22-3-545
Latest Version: 22-3-545