This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide a process for filling vacancies in the office of magistrate. Specifically, it allows a circuit judge or chief circuit judge to appoint a replacement not only when a vacancy occurs but also in anticipation of a vacancy due to an upcoming resignation or retirement. This includes situations where a magistrate-elect has been elected but has not yet taken office. The new language clarifies that the appointment process is initiated upon formal notification of the impending vacancy.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that for nonpartisan judicial elections to fill unexpired terms of magistrates, the circuit judge or chief judge must publish a notice of the election as a Class II-0 legal advertisement in compliance with existing legal requirements. This ensures that the election process is transparent and that the public is informed about upcoming elections for magistrate positions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 50-1-6