The bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to grant the Supreme Court of Appeals the discretion to establish uniform pay scales for judicial support staff, including magistrate court clerks, magistrate assistants, magistrate court deputy clerks, and family court secretary-clerks. Specifically, the annual salaries for these positions, previously set at fixed amounts, will now be determined by a pay scale established by the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court. This change aims to provide flexibility in compensation and allow for adjustments based on the needs of the judicial system.

Additionally, the bill removes specific salary figures for magistrate court clerks, magistrate assistants, magistrate court deputy clerks, and family court secretary-clerks, which were previously set at $52,296, $46,932, $46,932, and $42,576 respectively, with increases scheduled for July 1, 2023. The bill also allows these positions to receive any general salary increases granted to state employees after that date. Furthermore, it authorizes the Supreme Court of Appeals to create additional classifications of support staff as necessary, further enhancing the operational efficiency of the family courts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 50-1-8, 50-1-9, 50-1-9a, 51-2A-6
Engrossed Version: 50-1-8, 50-1-9, 50-1-9a, 51-2A-6