Nominee Jimmy Arthur Richardson wins favorable report from Senate Judiciary Committee

Jimmy Arthur Richardson the II received a favorable report from the Senate Judiciary Committee after a screening for the post of solicitor for the 15th judicial circuit.

Richardson, the governor’s nominee, took the oath before the committee and told members he is a resident of Conway and has served in the Horry County solicitor’s office in multiple roles. Committee staff summarized his background, including a BA in government and international studies and a JD; committee members were told a background check showed no financial conflicts or tax liens.

The committee’s questioning focused on office practices and ongoing programs. Richardson said his circuit uses a case management system and that the office aims to resolve many cases within six months; he described a practice of handling many pleas at the jail on Mondays to avoid transporting pretrial detainees to the courthouse. He also praised his circuit’s drug court, citing an account that the first 100 participants averaged about 11 felonies apiece at intake and, after graduating, the group had recorded one subsequent felony — a contrast he described as evidence of the program’s effectiveness.

Committee members asked whether Richardson would maintain the subcommittee’s reforms and reporting practices; he said he was committed to serving a full term and to sharing statistics on pretrial intervention, drug court outcomes and forfeiture funds with the body as requested.

A committee member moved to approve Richardson’s appointment to the 15th judicial circuit solicitor position; another member seconded. The Judiciary Committee voted to give the nomination a favorable report and the chair said the nomination will be sent to the Senate desk and scheduled for consideration by the full Senate.

The screening and favorable report now move Richardson’s nomination to the next step in the confirmation process.