Authorizing judge or chief judge to fill prospective vacancy in office of magistrate

SB 619 allows a circuit judge or chief judge to appoint someone to fill a magistrate position *before* the vacancy actually occurs. This applies when a magistrate announces an upcoming resignation or retirement, or when a newly elected magistrate-elect hasn’t taken office yet. The bill amends West Virginia law to authorize this advance appointment, ensuring magistrate positions remain filled without waiting for the vacancy to open. It directly affects counties with multiple circuit judges and the process for filling magistrate roles. The change streamlines the appointment process for these specific vacancy scenarios.