Expands South Carolina Court of Appeals from nine to fifteen judges and establishes five panels.

This bill amends the South Carolina Code to increase the number of judges on the Court of Appeals from nine to fifteen. It establishes five panels: two for criminal matters, two for civil matters, and one for maintaining equal caseloads. The Chief Judge assigns members to panels and can transfer cases to balance workloads. The Court can sit en banc with a quorum of ten judges. Judges are elected for staggered terms ranging from two to six years. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Expands South Carolina Court of Appeals from nine to fifteen judges and establishes five panels.

This bill amends the South Carolina Code to increase the number of judges on the Court of Appeals from nine to fifteen. It establishes five panels: two for criminal matters, two for civil matters, and one for maintaining equal caseloads. The Chief Judge assigns members to panels and can transfer cases to balance workloads. The Court can sit en banc with a quorum of ten judges. Judges are elected for staggered terms ranging from two to six years. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.