Judgicial reform proposal jumps forward in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – After months of calls for reform to the way S.C. judges are picked, some changes could be coming – but lawmakers will have to work quickly.

The state’s House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill to modify the process by which lawmakers selects judges.

This bill would expand the number of people on the judicial screening panel – to give the governor some selections – for a process in which he currently has no role.

It would allow that screening panel to advance the names of more qualified candidates to appear on the ballot for the full legislature’s election of judges.

And it would also require candidates for magistrate judgeships be screened – which doesn’t happen right now.

“Certainly believe that this is going a long way to restore the public’s trust at the end of the day, and I think that anytime that we bring some more transparency to the process, that ultimately is a good thing,” said Rep. Russell Ott, D-Calhoun.

The Senate passed this bill earlier this year – but with some key differences – so the two chambers will likely have to work out a compromise to send to the governor.

There’s not much time to dawdle: State law requires the General Assembly wrap up its work for the legislative session by 5 p.m. Thursday.

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