West VirginiaWest Virginia uses county jury lists to select jurors
West Virginia law directs officials to build county jury lists from several sources and keeps some people with past convictions or disabilities eligible to serve.
What it does
State officials build a statewide jury list from tax filers, registered voters, and licensed drivers, then give county clerks local lists for choosing prospective jurors at random.
People with an expunged or set-aside conviction, or a later unconditional pardon, are not disqualified because of that conviction if they meet the other requirements.
People with physical disabilities may serve when reasonable help lets them do the job. A judge may disqualify someone if the case evidence would unduly limit their ability to assess it.
Argument forDrawing names at random from lists of residents could help courts choose a broader pool, while some people with past convictions or disabilities remain eligible.
Argument againstJuror forms may collect family and personal details, and trial lawyers may see selected jurors’ forms, which could concern some people.
More detail
The administrative director compiles a statewide list from at least two approved sources, and county clerks maintain local lists for choosing prospective jurors. The statewide list covers residents of all 55 West Virginia counties; each county clerk receives and maintains that county’s list. The source lists are state income tax filers, registered voters, and people with valid driver’s licenses. Officials remove duplicate names when combining lists. The statewide list is used for two years, or for another period set by the state Supreme Court.
A conviction that was expunged or set aside, or followed by an unconditional pardon, does not disqualify an otherwise qualified person from jury service. This applies to prospective jurors whose conviction was expunged or set aside, or who later received an unconditional pardon for that offense. The person must meet the other qualifications for jury service.
A person with a physical disability who can serve with reasonable accommodation remains eligible and may not be dismissed from a jury panel for disability alone. This applies to people with physical disabilities who can serve competently with reasonable accommodation. A judge may disqualify a juror if the evidence in the case would unduly limit the juror’s ability to evaluate it. Reasonable help may include interpreters, real-time court reporting, and readers.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 25Chapter 86, Acts, Regular Session, 2026Latest
- Apr 1Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 4/1/2026Major
- Mar 18To Governor 3/18/2026To Governor
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 4/1/2026 - House JournalMajor
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 4/1/2026 - Senate JournalBecame Law
- Mar 14To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate JournalMinor
- Mar 13Completed legislative action
- Vote recorded Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 13Communicated to House
- Mar 13Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 602)
- Mar 13House Message received
- Mar 12Communicated to Senate
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 12Passed House (Roll No. 450)Passed House
- Mar 12Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 12On 3rd reading, Special Calendar
- Mar 11Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)
- Mar 11Amendment reported by the Clerk
- Mar 11Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 11On 2nd reading, Special Calendar
- Mar 10Read 1st timeMinor
- Mar 10Immediate consideration
- Mar 10With amendment, do passMinor
- Mar 9Markup Discussion
- Feb 18To House JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 18To JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 18Introduced in HouseMinor
- Feb 18House received Senate message
- Feb 17Ordered to House
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 17Passed Senate (Roll No. 107)Passed Senate
- Feb 17Read 3rd timeMinor
- Feb 17On 3rd reading
- Feb 16Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 16On 2nd reading
- Feb 13Read 1st timeMinor
- Feb 13On 1st reading
- Feb 12Committee substitute reported
- Feb 6To JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 6Introduced in SenateMinor
- Feb 6To JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 6Filed for introductionIntroduced
Criminal JusticeCivil Rights & Voting