The bill amends the process for filling vacancies in the West Virginia Legislature by establishing specific requirements for political parties when submitting lists of candidates to the Governor. It mandates that county and district political parties must adhere to the rules set by their respective state executive committees when compiling and submitting a list of three legally qualified individuals to fill a vacancy. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the list must be submitted within 15 days of the vacancy occurring, and the Governor is required to make an appointment from this list within five days of receiving it. If the list is not submitted in time, the Governor can appoint a qualified individual from the same political party.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new eligibility requirement stating that any individual appointed to fill a vacancy in the Legislature must have resided within the district they will represent for at least one year prior to their appointment. This provision aims to ensure that appointees have a connection to the community they will serve. Overall, the bill seeks to clarify and enhance the process of filling legislative vacancies while ensuring that appointees are familiar with their districts.

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