HB 5183
Directing the Supreme Court of Appeals to create a pilot domestic violence court in Kanawha County
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia to establish a pilot domestic violence court in Kanawha County. The court would handle misdemeanor domestic violence cases involving family or household members, as well as civil and criminal protective order proceedings. The Supreme Court is tasked with selecting appropriate judicial officers and collecting data to assess the court’s effectiveness, reporting findings to the legislature in 2027 and 2028.
Key provisions
- Directs the Supreme Court of Appeals to create a pilot domestic violence court.
- Specifies that the court will be located in Kanawha County.
- Outlines the types of domestic violence cases the court can handle.
- Allows for the use of existing circuit judges, family court judges, temporary family court judges, or magistrates to preside over the court.
- Requires the court to maintain statistical data on its operations.
- Mandates reporting of program efficacy to the legislature in 2027 and 2028.
- Clarifies that felony crimes are handled by circuit court judges unless a family court judge is assigned.
Who is affected
- Domestic violence victims
- Domestic violence perpetrators
- Judges and judicial staff
- The Kanawha County court system
- The West Virginia Legislature
Notable changes
- Establishes a dedicated pilot program for domestic violence courts.
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