(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Today, South Carolina House Speaker Jay Lucas announced the formation of the House Equitable Justice System and Law Enforcement Reform Committee.

“Today, I announced the formation of a special House committee to address the urgent issues that our nation and state have been grappling with in recent weeks,” said Speaker Lucas. “The SC House of Representatives has always been the people’s house. It will remain so by being the place where all viewpoints are expressed, heard and considered and where meaningful, open debate occurs. These challenging times are no exception. 

The South Carolina House Equitable Justice System and Law Enforcement Reform Committee represents a bipartisan, diverse group of lawmakers, which I hope will bring to the entire House substantial reforms to improve our state’s justice system and law enforcement policies. I look forward to their solutions for substantive changes for the benefit of all South Carolinians.”

Speaker Lucas notified the appointed committee members by letter today. The members will examine the following four issues:  

1)      Law Enforcement Officer Training, Tactics, Standards and Accountability

2)      Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform

3)      Criminal Process and Procedure Reform 

4)      Sentencing Reform

The appointed members include:

Rep. Gary Simrill, Co-chair, Majority Leader of the House

Rep. Todd Rutherford, Co-chair, Minority Leader of the House

Rep. Beth Bernstein

Rep. Chandra Dillard

Rep. Shannon Erickson

Rep. Wendell Gilliard

Rep. Chris Hart

Rep. Max Hyde

Rep. Mandy Kimmons

Rep. Cezar McKnight

Rep. Chris Murphy

Rep. Weston Newton

Rep. Tommy Pope  

Rep. Garry Smith

Rep. Leon Stavrinakis

Rep. Ivory Thigpen

Rep. Will Wheeler             

Rep. Chris Wooten  

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