The bill H. 4160 proposes amendments to Section 14-5-610 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the structure of the state's judicial circuits and the election of judges. The key change involves converting five at-large circuit court seats into resident seats within specific circuits: the Third, Seventh, Ninth, Eleventh, and Twelfth. This adjustment aims to ensure that judges elected to these positions are residents of the respective circuits they serve, thereby enhancing local representation in the judiciary.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the total number of at-large judges will be reduced from sixteen to eleven, with the remaining judges being elected from the state at large without regard to their county or circuit of residence. The bill also clarifies that current judges serving in the at-large seats that are being converted will not need to undergo additional screening until the end of their current term. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
03/06/2025: 14-5-610
Latest Version: 14-5-610