This bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to establish a new pay scale for certain lower court staff, including magistrate court clerks, magistrate assistants, magistrate court deputy clerks, secretary-clerks of family court judges, and family 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 certain language regarding the qualifications and duties of magistrate assistants and deputy clerks, ensuring that they are not immediate family members of any magistrate and outlining their responsibilities in relation to the magistrate court clerks. Furthermore, it provides the Supreme Court of Appeals with the authority to create additional classifications of support staff as needed for family courts, with their salaries also determined by the established pay scale. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the compensation structure and clarify the roles of 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