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. The bill also modifies the total number of at-large judges from sixteen to eleven, reflecting the conversion of these seats.

Additionally, the bill specifies the new designations for the converted seats, such as renaming At-large Circuit Court Seat 1 to Third Circuit Court Seat 3, and similarly for the other converted seats. Importantly, the bill clarifies that current judges serving in the at-large seats that are being converted will not be required 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
04/02/2025: 14-5-610
04/08/2025: 14-5-610
04/29/2025: 14-5-610
Latest Version: 14-5-610