Jimmy Arthur Richardson II wins committee backing in screening for 15th-circuit solicitor

The Senate Judiciary Committee on the opening day of its session screened Jimmy Arthur Richardson II for appointment as solicitor of the 15th judicial circuit and gave his nomination a unanimous favorable report.

The committee’s attorney, JJ Gentry, presented Richardson’s background, saying Richardson received a B.A. from the University of South Carolina Coastal and a J.D. from Regent University Law School, served as a clerk to Judge Sydney T. Floyd, and held a series of posts in the Horry County solicitor’s office, including senior assistant and deputy solicitor. Richardson told the committee he is a resident and qualified elector in South Carolina and said he understood the responsibilities of the office and was committed to serving the full term.

During questions, a committee member asked whether a recent Supreme Court order changing docket control was appropriate; Richardson said he did not favor the change and that it would affect a small share of cases in his circuit. On case management, Richardson described the circuit’s consent order and said the office aims to resolve many cases within 180 days. He also praised the circuit’s drug court program, telling senators that in a study of the first 100 participants the program reduced participants’ felony counts dramatically — "we went from 1,100 to 1" in felony charges among that cohort, he said.

After brief endorsements from several members, a committee member moved approval of the nomination; the motion was seconded and the committee recorded a favorable report, which the chair described as unanimous and noted would be transmitted to the Senate desk for floor consideration.

The committee took no additional formal action on the nomination and the matter will next be subject to consideration by the full Senate.