H3530

Magistrates' Reform Act

Introduced·1/14/25

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.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

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6
6
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Feb 3

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Full Committee on 3530, 4511, 4813

Jan 29

9:00 AM

House Judiciary Constitutional Laws Subcommittee on 3530, 4813

History

Mar 25

House

Recommitted to Committee on Judiciary

Mar 24

House

Debate adjourned

Mar 3

House

Debate adjourned until Tuesday, March 24.