SB 275
would create an Intermediate Court of Appeals whose decisions would be accorded precedential effect by the lower courts. The bill establishes northern and southern districts within West Virginia, each with a three-judge panel to hear appeals arising out of their respective geographical area. The judges are to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to staggered terms of two, four, and six years. The Committees amended the original bill in certain key areas. For instance, after expiration of their initial terms, the judges will run for full 12-year terms in non-partisan elections. Furthermore, the Intermediate Court of Appeals will not have any original jurisdiction. After June 30, 2022, it will have appellate jurisdiction over such matters as final judgments or orders of a circuit court in civil cases, final judgments or orders of a family court, and decisions of an agency or an administrative law judge. Appeals from its decisions to the Supre