This bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to grant the Supreme Court of Appeals the authority to establish uniform pay scales for judicial support staff, including magistrate court clerks, magistrate assistants, magistrate court deputy clerks, and family court secretary-clerks. The current fixed annual salaries for these positions, which are set at specific amounts, will be replaced with pay scales determined by the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court. This change aims to enhance recruitment and retention of employees by providing a clearer and more consistent pay structure that reflects job duties and educational qualifications.

Additionally, the bill allows for general salary increases for these positions, similar to those granted to other state employees, and maintains the requirement that salaries be paid at least twice per month. The Supreme Court of Appeals is also empowered to create additional classifications of support staff as necessary, further supporting the efficient operation of the courts. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize the compensation framework for judicial support staff in West Virginia.

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