The bill H. 4668 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the appointment and jurisdiction of magistrates. It introduces a new section, 2-19-115, which mandates that candidates for magistrate positions be reviewed by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, similar to other judicial candidates, and defines the circumstances under which a vacancy occurs. Additionally, it amends Section 22-3-10 to increase the civil jurisdiction of magistrates' courts, allowing them to handle cases involving claims up to $15,000, as opposed to the previous limit of $7,500.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 22-8-30 to require that each county provide personnel for magistrates that includes at least one licensed attorney in good standing with the South Carolina Bar. In counties with populations exceeding 90,000, the requirement increases to two or more licensed attorneys. These changes are intended to enhance the qualifications of magistrates and improve the functioning of magistrates' courts across the state. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 2-19-115, 22-3-10, 22-8-30
Latest Version: 2-19-115, 22-3-10, 22-8-30