This bill amends section 4-1-17 of the Code of West Virginia to clarify the priority of legislative business for members and designated employees, particularly in relation to their obligations to the judicial and executive branches. It establishes that during legislative sessions and specified time periods, members and designated employees are not required to attend to matters before these branches, thereby protecting their ability to fulfill their legislative duties. However, the bill introduces a significant exception: it specifies that these protections do not apply when the Legislature or its members are parties in litigation concerning legislative actions, and if a judicial tribunal determines that delaying the proceedings would hinder the judiciary's constitutional duty to ensure fair and timely justice.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for members or designated employees to invoke these protections, including the requirement to notify the tribunal of their intent to stay proceedings. It also emphasizes that any legal actions taken contrary to these provisions without consent are void. The bill aims to balance the legislative responsibilities of its members with the judicial system's need to operate effectively, ensuring that legislative actions do not impede the administration of justice.

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