2025 Regular Session
SB 619
Authorizing judge or chief judge to fill prospective vacancy in office of magistrate
In Committee
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 619 changes the process for filling vacancies in magistrate court positions in West Virginia. Currently, vacancies are filled when they occur. This bill allows the circuit judge or chief judge to fill a prospective vacancy if a magistrate announces their upcoming resignation or retirement. This proactive approach ensures continuity in magistrate court operations.
Key provisions
- Allows circuit judges or chief judges to fill magistrate vacancies.
- Applies to vacancies due to resignation or retirement.
- Covers magistrate-elects who resign before taking office.
- Requires publication of election notices for unexpired term magistrate elections.
Who is affected
- Magistrate court officials
- Circuit court judges
- West Virginia judicial system
- County residents served by magistrate courts
Notable changes
- Expands the authority to fill vacancies beyond simply when they occur.
- Includes magistrate-elects in the process of filling vacancies.
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