Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Advances Three Workers’ Compensation Commission Reappointments

The Senate Judiciary subcommittee on [date not specified] advanced three nominations to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission to the full committee following brief screening interviews.

Chairman Thomas Scott Beck was sworn in and described a lengthy public service career that includes a Bachelor of Science from Penn State, a law degree received in 1999 and prior service as assistant attorney general and as a member and chair of the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Beck outlined current litigation involving a bankrupt self‑insured employer, saying, “Long story short, the matter was litigated in circuit court. We prevailed in circuit court. It was appealed to the Court of Appeals,” and that the Court of Appeals has interpreted the occupational‑disease statute as imposing a two‑year statute of repose; Beck added the commission has filed a petition seeking Supreme Court review.

Beck also summarized the long‑running Pamela Carty matter, noting it originated with a 2014 claim and is set for oral argument at the Court of Appeals next month, and described a separate claimant‑filed case that the commission seeks to dismiss after removal to federal court.

After committee staff reported no adverse findings in background or credit checks, a committee member moved to advance Beck’s nomination and the subcommittee approved the motion by voice vote.

John Gabriel Cacciola, sworn and introduced for reappointment, told the panel he has served on the commission for roughly 10 months and emphasized shifting from a practitioner’s mindset to a judicial role. Staff summarized his education (University of South Carolina, JD 2005), a federal‑court clerkship, and many years in workers’ compensation practice; Cacciola said he hoped to “continue the tradition” of the commission and cited familiarity with Title 42. A motion to advance his nomination passed by voice vote.

Ayesha Ka’i Taylor, also sworn and screened for reappointment, recounted 13 years on the commission and identified a major technology project she helped lead that “did not go as planned” in its first round and is being restarted; she said she would like to see that implementation through. Staff reported no disciplinary history and no adverse background or credit findings. The subcommittee advanced Taylor’s nomination by voice vote.

The subcommittee did not record roll‑call tallies in the transcript; all three nominations were advanced to the full Senate Judiciary Committee by voice votes. Committee staff said they will notify the nominees of the timing for the full‑committee consideration.

The subcommittee adjourned after concluding its business.