This 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 bill removes fixed salary amounts for these positions and replaces them with a provision stating that their annual salaries "shall be determined by a pay scale established by the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court." This change allows for more flexibility in compensation and aligns the salaries of these positions with potential general salary increases granted to state employees.

Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement that these staff members be paid at least twice per month and allows them to receive any general salary increases enacted after July 1, 2023. It also includes provisions for the appointment and duties of magistrate assistants and deputy clerks, ensuring that they are not immediate family members of any magistrate or court staff and that they meet certain qualifications. The bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system by providing a structured approach to compensation for support staff.

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