CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice has signed legislation establishing an
intermediate court of appeals in West Virginia.
The issue has been pushed
for years; a 2009 judicial reform panel recommended having such court in the
state. The governor pushed the court during his State of the State address in
February.
The state Senate has passed measures creating the intermediate
court in multiple legislative sessions, but the House of Delegates only approved
the proposal during this year’s session.
The Senate last week agreed to
changes made by the House, including cutting the number of districts from two to
one. The three judges would be elected to 10-year terms and receive a $142,000
annual salary.
State Supreme Court Chief Justice Evan Jenkins applauded
the governor and state Legislature in a statement on Thursday.
“The West
Virginia Supreme Court is prepared and committed to taking the steps necessary
to ensure the new court operates in a way that ensures the public’s trust and
confidence,” he said. “That is what our citizens deserve and the constitution
requires.”
The first judges will be appointed to the court. The first
electoral race for the court will be in 2024.