COLUMBIA, S.C. - A bill intended to help more black lawyers become judges cleared the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

The legislation requires the Judicial Merit Selection Commission recommend all qualified candidates to the General Assembly for consideration instead of just three candidtates. Proponents say that cap keeps legislators from considering all qualified candidates.

Last month, the Legislative Black Caucus members walked out on judicial elections after no black candidates won.

Rep. John Scott, D-Columbia, said the caucus hasn't ruled out a lawsuit against the General Assembly about the lack of diversity on the bench. The Legislature has to "understand that there can be some repercussions in the event there is no movement to try to correct the process," Scott said.

Much of the discussion, however, involved how long legislators should wait before being considered for judgeships. The bill removes a one-year waiting period, but Rep. Ben Hagood, R-Sullivan's Island, wanted the waiting period restored. Without it, the door would open to sitting legislators lobbying their colleagues for judgeships and resigning the day one becomes available.

Proponents said most of the state's black judges have come from the Legislature and waiting period would not help diversity on the bench.

Hagood lost the argument and the waiting period was eliminated.

The bill now heads to the House floor.