Judiciary committee gives favorable report to Jimmy Arthur Richardson for 15th-circuit solicitor

At a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the committee gave a favorable report to Jimmy Arthur Richardson II, the governor's nominee for solicitor of the 15th Judicial Circuit.

Richardson took the oath, confirmed his residence and qualifications, and answered questions about office practices. Committee counsel told members a background check had shown no negative information or financial conflicts that would disqualify him. Richardson described his work in Horry County, including long service in the solicitor's office and a record of running court processes intended to resolve cases faster.

Richardson discussed his circuit's case-management practice and drug court program, telling the committee, "we are always striving for the goal of having cases settled within 6 months or 180 days," and describing drug-court outcomes: "Out of those 100, they averaged 11 felonies apiece going in... that first group, we've had 1 felony since they've graduated. So it went from 1,100 to 1." He said his office uses a system to reduce unnecessary transport of pretrial detainees and that he intends to continue those practices.

After members questioned him about recordkeeping for seized funds and other administrative matters, a committee member moved to approve the appointment and the motion was seconded. The committee gave a favorable report and agreed to transmit the nomination to the Senate desk for floor consideration. Committee members were told the nomination will remain at the desk for three days to allow any senator to raise questions before the full Senate considers it.

The committee's screening and favorable report now send Richardson's nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.