Constitutional Amendment
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how magistrates in South Carolina are appointed. Currently, the Senate approves these appointments, but the amendment would require the Governor to receive advice and consent from the entire General Assembly. It also removes the General Assembly’s authority to set terms of office and jurisdiction for magistrates, and establishes a four-year term for these officials until a successor is appointed.
Key provisions
- The Governor will appoint magistrates with the approval of the General Assembly, not just the Senate.
- Each chamber of the General Assembly must vote by a majority to approve appointments.
- The General Assembly’s role in setting magistrates’ terms of office and jurisdiction is eliminated.
- Magistrates will serve four-year terms until their replacements are appointed.
Who is affected
- Magistrates
- The Governor
- The South Carolina General Assembly
- County residents
- Legal professionals
Notable changes
- Eliminates the Senate’s role in the appointment process.
- Shifts authority over term lengths and jurisdiction to the General Assembly.
- Establishes a fixed four-year term for magistrates.
Bill text
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