The Senate has once again passed a bill that would establish an intermediate court of appeals in West Virginia.
After a roughly hour-long debate on the Senate floor Wednesday, the bill passed on a 19-15 vote.
The issue has been debated for many years after it was recommended by a 2009 judicial review panel. The legislation has been passed several times in the Senate, only to fail in the House of Delegates.
Senate Bill 275 would establish an intermediate court to review civil cases between the circuit court and Supreme Court levels. It would also adjudicate workers compensation cases and final orders from family court.
Judges on the court would be appointed to staggered terms to fill out the court initially, with regular elections to follow. The court would have a northern and southern district, each with three judges. As written currently, court proceedings would take place in already-available public buildings. The Senate estimates that the court will cost between $8 and $9 million once it is fully functional.
The bill moves on for consideration in the House of Delegates.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m
Streaming of afternoon meetings is available on our Legislature Live page.
Economic Development will meet at 2 p.m. in 208W.
Agriculture and Rural Development will meet at 3 p.m. in 208W.
Pensions will meet at 3 p.m. in 451M.
Judiciary will meet at 4 p.m. in 208W.
Finance will meet at 4 p.m. today and 9:30 a.m. tomorrow in 451M.
