H4667

This bill amends South Carolina law to allow appellate courts to proceed as if a magistrate has died, become insane, or is absent in certain cases.

The bill amends the South Carolina Code to allow appellate courts to proceed as if a magistrate has died, become insane, or is absent when a magistrate fails to comply with certain statutes regarding making a return to the appellate court. It also increases the civil jurisdiction of magistrates court, modifies exceptions for civil actions when magistrates have no jurisdiction, and increases assessments on civil filings in magistrates court. The changes apply to cases where the sum claimed or damages do not exceed $774,500.