The bill H. 4965 seeks to amend Section 14-23-1040 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which outlines the qualifications for probate judges. The proposed changes include raising the minimum age requirement for probate judges in counties with populations exceeding fifty thousand from twenty-one to twenty-five years. Additionally, it stipulates that candidates must be licensed attorneys in good standing in South Carolina, or if they are not, they must hire a staff attorney within a reasonable time after their election. The bill also maintains the existing qualifications for probate judges in counties with populations of fifty thousand or fewer.

Furthermore, the bill includes a grandfather clause that exempts current probate judges serving in office as of the effective date of the act from the new age and educational requirements. This means that those currently in office will not be subject to the revised qualifications, allowing them to continue their service without needing to meet the new standards. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/15/2026: 14-23-1040
Latest Version: 14-23-1040