This bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to establish a new pay scale for certain court staff, including magistrate court clerks, magistrate assistants, magistrate court deputy clerks, and family court secretary-clerks and case coordinators. The annual salaries for these positions will now be determined by a pay scale established by the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court of Appeals, replacing the previously fixed salary amounts. Additionally, the bill allows for general salary increases for these positions, similar to those granted to other state employees, effective after July 1, 2023.

The bill also modifies the qualifications for magistrate assistants and deputy clerks, allowing for more flexibility in their appointment and duties. It specifies that these positions may not be filled by immediate family members of magistrates and outlines the responsibilities of each role in relation to the magistrate court clerks. Furthermore, the bill grants the Supreme Court of Appeals the authority to create additional classifications of support staff as needed, with their salaries also determined by the established pay scale. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the compensation structure and operational efficiency of the lower court staff in West Virginia.

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