Senate Judiciary Committee gives favorable report for Jimmy Arthur Richardson as 15th‑circuit solicitor

Jimmy Arthur Richardson II received a favorable report from the Senate Judiciary Committee on his nomination to serve as solicitor for the 15th judicial circuit.

The committee chair administered the oath and JJ Gentry, committee counsel, summarized Richardson’s qualifications, noting a BA in government and international studies and a JD, membership in the South Carolina Bar, prior clerkship, and nearly 15 years of service in the Horry County solicitor’s office. Counsel told the committee that background checks revealed no negative information, tax liens or judgments, and no apparent financial conflicts of interest.

Richardson told the committee he is committed to serving a full term and described operational practices in Horry and Georgetown Counties. Asked about a recent order from the state Supreme Court on docket control, Richardson said his circuit already followed the practices addressed in the order and estimated the change would affect under 10% of his cases. He also described routine use of a case‑management system and a goal to resolve cases within 180 days where practicable.

He highlighted the local drug court program as a signature effort, saying the program had dramatic results in an early cohort: "out of the first 100 people that came through our drug court… we had 1 felony since they've graduated," a reduction he said illustrated the court’s impact.

After questions from several senators, a committee member moved that the Judiciary Committee approve Richardson’s appointment. The motion was seconded and the committee gave a favorable report; the chair said the committee’s recommendation would be sent to the Senate desk for floor consideration next week.

The committee did not record individual roll‑called votes for this motion in the transcript excerpt; committee practice on such confirmations is to report favorably and transmit the nomination to the full Senate for final action.