Rep. CASKEY proposes the following amendment (LC-4755.AHB0001H):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

SECTION X. Chapter 19, Title 2 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 Section 2-19-115. (A) Upon a magistrate position vacancy, the Senate shall forward a magistrate candidate to the Judicial Merit Selection Commission for review of the candidate's qualifications. The commission shall conduct the same review as for other judicial candidates and may conduct a public hearing in the same manner as other judicial candidates pursuant to the provisions of this chapter as the commission deems necessary. The commission shall forward a report on a magistrate candidate's qualifications to the Senate and Governor prior to the Governor's appointment. The Governor's appointment process followed by advice and consent of the Senate is pursuant to the provisions of Section 2-19-10. No person found not qualified by the commission may be appointed to a magistrate position.
 (B) For purposes of this section, a vacancy is created in a magistrate position when any of the following occurs, a:
  (1) term expires;
  (2) new magistrate position is created; or
  (3) magistrate is no longer able to serve due to resignation, retirement, disciplinary action, disability, or death.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.