South Carolina H3530 amends magistrate appointment procedures, eligibility criteria, and jurisdictional limits.

The South Carolina Magistrates' Reform Act amends the state code to require candidates for magistrate positions to be reviewed by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. It also defines when vacancies occur and sets new eligibility criteria for magistrate appointments, including requiring a juris doctor degree and membership in the South Carolina Bar. The act increases the civil and criminal jurisdiction of magistrates and repeals sections related to a screening committee for magistrate candidates. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

South Carolina H3530 amends magistrate appointment procedures, eligibility criteria, and jurisdictional limits.

The South Carolina Magistrates' Reform Act amends the state code to require candidates for magistrate positions to be reviewed by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. It also defines when vacancies occur and sets new eligibility criteria for magistrate appointments, including requiring a juris doctor degree and membership in the South Carolina Bar. The act increases the civil and criminal jurisdiction of magistrates and repeals sections related to a screening committee for magistrate candidates. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.