The South Carolina House took a major step on judicial reform this week, passing H.4755 — a bill that would significantly reshape how judges are selected in our state.
What the Bill Does
H.4755 targets the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC), the gatekeeper that screens candidates for most judicial seats. For years, critics have argued that because legislators dominate this commission and then also vote on judges, lawmakers have too much control over the bench.
The bill makes several key changes:
- Expands the JMSC from 10 to 12 members.
- Gives the governor the power to appoint all 12 members.
- Bars legislators and their immediate family members from serving.
- Requires most commissioners to be attorneys in good standing, with limits on how many can come from law enforcement.
- Brings magistrates more fully under the screening process, with JMSC reports sent to both the governor and Senate before appointment and confirmation.
How the vote played out:
On Wednesday, the House approved H.4755 by a vote of 86–25, a strong bipartisan margin that crossed internal Republican faction lines. That total is well above the two‑thirds threshold needed for future constitutional changes and signals real appetite for structural reform.
Attorney General Alan Wilson praised the vote, saying he has long supported moving JMSC appointment power to the governor to correct what he sees as an imbalance between branches. Reform advocates outside the State House also celebrated, calling the bill a major step toward reducing “insider control” over judicial selection.
What comes next:
The Senate is now the critical arena. Senators have their own subcommittee studying judicial selection, and it is not yet clear whether they will embrace the House version, heavily amend it, or let it stall. Some observers note that, unlike House members, senators are not on the ballot this year, which could reduce immediate political pressure to act.
If enacted, H.4755 would shift power over who gets considered for judgeships away from the legislature and toward the governor via an appointed JMSC. Supporters see this as a needed rebalancing of powers; critics worry it may simply concentrate influence in a different place.
For now, the House has clearly signaled that the days of lawmakers directly controlling the screening commission should come to an end — and it has challenged the Senate to decide whether to agree.
How did Saluda House Members vote on H.4755?
Cal Forrest voted yes on H.4755, the Judicial Selection Reform bill, as part of the 86 votes in favor. Bill Clyburn voted no, recorded among the 25 House members opposing the bill on final passage.
Contact your Saluda County Senators:
Shane Massey:
803-212-6330
(803) 480-0419
ShaneMassey@scsenate.gov
Billy Garrett:
803-212-6016
864-554-0963
BillyGarrett@scsenate.gov
