This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the Governor's responsibility in filling vacancies in the state Legislature, specifically for the offices of state Senator and member of the House of Delegates. It establishes a process for selecting three legally qualified candidates from which the Governor will make an appointment. The bill mandates that the party's district executive committee or county executive committee submit this list within 15 days of the vacancy, and the Governor must make an appointment within five days of receiving the list. Additionally, it specifies that candidates must have been affiliated with the same political party for at least one year prior to the vacancy.

The bill introduces several new provisions regarding the selection process, including the ability to conduct virtual interviews when more than three candidates apply. It outlines the procedures for the vacancy committee, including how to handle situations with fewer or more than three candidates, and ensures uniformity in the interview process. The state party chairman is tasked with facilitating the process and ensuring public notice of the vacancy. Furthermore, it clarifies that in cases where the district is wholly within one county, the county party chairman will appoint a subcommittee to act as the vacancy committee. Overall, the bill aims to streamline and clarify the process for filling legislative vacancies in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-10-5