All Roll Calls
Yes: 153 • No: 0
South CarolinaS 0336126th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-90, RELATING TO JUDICIAL ELECTIONS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION, SO AS TO SET THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF MARCH FOR THE ELECTIONS OF JUDGES BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-80, RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION AND NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE TIME FRAME FOR THE RELEASE OF THE COMMISSION'S FORMAL REPORT AS TO QUALIFICATIONS OF ITS NOMINEES.
Sponsored By: Thomas C. Alexander (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Judicial Elections
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New schedule and rules for judge elections
Beginning July 1, 2025, lawmakers elect judges at noon on the first Wednesday of March, in the House chamber. The Judicial Merit Selection Commission chair announces the nominees at the joint session. Legislators do not give nominating or seconding speeches. A candidate wins with a majority of members voting. The Commission must release its qualifications report at least 23 days before the election date.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Thomas C. Alexander
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
A. Shane Massey
Republican • Senate
Luke A. Rankin
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 1/29/2026
(Judicial Elections)Passage of Bill
Yes: 113 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/20/2025
(Judicial Elections)2nd Reading
Yes: 40 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Act No. 95
2/6/2026legislatureEffective date 02/05/26
2/6/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
2/5/2026GovernorRatified R 98
2/3/2026legislatureRead third time and enrolled
1/30/2026HouseUnanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day
1/29/2026HouseRoll call Yeas-113 Nays-0
1/29/2026HouseRead second time
1/29/2026HouseCommittee report: Favorable Judiciary
1/28/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Judiciary
3/27/2025HouseIntroduced and read first time
3/27/2025HouseRead third time and sent to House
3/25/2025SenateRoll call Ayes-40 Nays-0
3/20/2025SenateRead second time
3/20/2025SenateAmended
3/20/2025SenateCommittee report: Favorable Judiciary
3/12/2025SenateReferred to Subcommittee: Elliott (ch), Cash, Tedder, Devine, Fernandez, Kennedy, Walker
2/27/2025SenateReferred to Committee on Judiciary
2/12/2025SenateIntroduced and read first time
2/12/2025Senate
Bill Text
Introduced
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