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Senate Judiciary Committee gives favorable report to governor’s nominee for 15th-circuit solicitor
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously gave a favorable report to Jimmy Arthur Richardson II, the governor’s nominee to be solicitor for the 15th judicial circuit, after a short screening and questions about case management and drug-court outcomes.
Jimmy Arthur Richardson II received a unanimous favorable report from the Senate Judiciary Committee on his nomination to serve as solicitor for the 15th judicial circuit.
The nominee, who said his address is 1000 Dublin Drive, Conway, was sworn in by the committee and answered routine screening questions about his background and plans for the office. Committee counsel JJ Gentry summarized Richardson’s résumé: a BA in government and international studies from the University of South Carolina Coastal (1992), a JD from Regent University Law School (1997) and membership in the South Carolina Bar since 1997.
Richardson told senators he has served in Horry County’s solicitor’s office in a series of roles, most recently as a deputy solicitor, and said he was committed to serving the full term. He described his work habits as often “the first to show up and last to leave” and said he and his office use a case-management system intended to resolve most cases within six months.
On questions about drug court, Richardson called it “probably the best program” and said a study of the first 100 participants showed dramatic reductions in felony reoffending: “Out of those 100, they averaged 11 felonies apiece going in… that first group, we’ve had one felony since they’ve graduated.” He attributed the program’s success to local implementation and emphasized his intent to continue proven practices.
Senators praised Richardson’s public-service record and character. Senator Hamre formally moved that the committee approve the appointment; the motion was seconded and put to a voice/hand vote. The chair reported a favorable recommendation to the full Senate, indicating the committee result appeared to be 21 to 0. The nomination will be transmitted to the Senate desk and scheduled for floor consideration in the coming days.
The committee’s action is a recommendation only; the full Senate will take the final confirmation vote when the nomination reaches the floor.
