Removal of elected and certain appointed officers by courts.

HB 4091 would allow West Virginia circuit courts to remove elected officials or appointed officers filling elective roles who reside within the court's jurisdiction. Courts could remove them for neglecting clear duties, misuse of office, incompetence causing material harm; for a misdemeanor conviction; or for specific serious convictions (like sexual assault) after all appeals are exhausted. To trigger removal, a petition signed by 15% of voters from the last election for that office would be required. This bill directly affects local elected and certain appointed officials in West Virginia.