The Senate Judiciary Committee met at 3:00 PM today to continue this morning’s discussion on Senate bill 275, which would create an Intermediate Court of Appeals in West Virginia.
The bill was first introduced by council to the committee on Friday, January 24th. Council gave a presentation explaining the bill and answered immediate questions from the committee before a full discussion and debate to take place this morning. At 10:00 AM, the committee began discussion and amendments, and asked more questions to council before laying over the bill for further discussion this afternoon.
The committee engaged in lively debate concerning the bill. Some argued that an Intermediate Court of Appeals was too expensive to prioritize under the budget for this session. A representative from the United States Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the bill and answered questions from the committee. The representative explained that the purpose of the bill was to modernize West Virginia’s Court systems and create a more attractive environment for out-of-state businesses.
Some members of the committee argued that small businesses would suffer for the expenses of the bill, as well as the salaries of Supreme Court Justices. Others saw this as an opportunity for businesses to be better represented in the state.
Amendments for this bill were adopted. The Intermediate Court Justices are to be elected rather than appointed by the governor, though the candidates may be appointed.
After much debate, a motion was made to table the bill, but the motion was rejected on a 7-10 vote.
The bill was advanced and referred to the Committee on Finance before being reported to the full Senate.
