The bill H. 4711 proposes amendments to Section 14-5-610 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the division of the state into sixteen judicial circuits and the number of judges to be elected from each circuit. The bill seeks to increase the number of circuit court judges by three in certain circuits, specifically adding one judge to the fifth circuit, which must be a resident judge in Kershaw County. The bill also outlines the distribution of judges across the various circuits, with specific numbers designated for each.

Additionally, the bill introduces seven at-large circuit judges to be elected by the General Assembly, who will serve six-year terms and will not be restricted by county or circuit of residence. The Judicial Merit Selection Commission is tasked with nominating candidates for these judicial positions, but the nomination process will only commence once funding for the additional judges is secured in the general appropriations act. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 14-5-610
Latest Version: 14-5-610