The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish clearer procedures for filling vacancies in the state Legislature. It requires that county and district political parties follow the rules set by their state executive committee when submitting a list of three legally qualified candidates to the Governor for appointment. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the list must be submitted within 15 days of the vacancy occurring, and the Governor must make an appointment from this list within five days of receiving it. If the list is not submitted in time, the Governor is authorized to appoint a qualified individual from the same political party.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new requirement that individuals must have resided within the district they will represent for at least one year prior to their appointment to fill a vacancy in either the state Senate or the House of Delegates. This provision aims to ensure that appointees have a connection to the community they will serve. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity and accountability of the legislative appointment process in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-10-5
Committee Substitute: 3-10-5