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SJR 8

Sheriff's Succession Amendment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Zack Maynard and 3 co-sponsors

The amendment would allow a sheriff appointed to a term with less than two years remaining to run for two consecutive terms after that appointed term.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · SJR 8

Summary of Bill: Senate Joint Resolution 8 (SJR 8) – West Virginia, 2026

Purpose and intent

  • SJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article IX, Section 3 of the West Virginia Constitution, concerning the succession and eligibility of sheriffs.
  • The overarching goal is to modify term-limit rules for sheriffs in cases where a person is appointed to fill a sheriff’s term that has less than two years remaining, enabling that appointee to be eligible for election to two consecutive terms after the appointed term.

Key provisions and changes

  • Current framework (as proposed to be amended):
    • A person who has been elected or has served as sheriff during all or part of two consecutive terms is ineligible to hold the office during any part of the term immediately following the second of those two consecutive terms.
    • The sitting sheriff at the time of ratification may not be prevented from serving in the term immediately following the term they are currently serving.
    • If a person is appointed to fill a sheriff’s term with less than two years remaining, that appointed person may not be prevented from holding office for two consecutive terms immediately following the appointed term.
  • Proposed new framework (as summarized by the amendment text):
    • The amendment would explicitly authorize an appointment to fill a sheriff’s term with less than two years left to be eligible for election to two consecutive terms after the appointed term.
  • Designation and title:
    • The amendment would be numbered “Amendment 1” and designated as the “Sheriff’s Succession Amendment.”
    • It includes a summarized purpose stating: “To permit a person appointed to fill a term of sheriff that has less than two years, to be eligible for election for two consecutive terms.”

Who or what would be affected

  • County sheriffs and their offices across West Virginia.
  • Individuals who are appointed to complete a sheriff’s term that is shorter than two years.
  • Voters in the 2026 general election, who would be asked to ratify or reject the proposed amendment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Route: The bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that would be referred to committees (Judiciary, then Finance) and, if approved, placed on the ballot for voter ratification.
  • Ballot timing: If the resolution passes the Legislature, the question would be presented to voters at the next general election in 2026 for ratification or rejection.
  • Status and actions (highlights):
    • Introduced January 14, 2026, in the Senate.
    • Referred to the Judiciary Committee, then to Finance.
    • Adopted by the Senate on March 3, 2026 (Roll No. 309) and sent to the House, then progressed through the House and related committees.
    • The House received the Senate message and introduced the measure March 5, 2026, with further committee referrals and readings noted in the action history.

Practical impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the amendment would reduce potential barriers to appointive succession by allowing a sheriff appointed to a term with less than two years remaining to run for two subsequent terms, potentially expanding opportunities for appointed sheriffs to serve longer in office.
  • The change is narrowly focused on appointment scenarios and does not modify term lengths or other eligibility rules for elected sheriffs beyond addressing succession when appointment is involved.
  • Local impact could vary by county, depending on how often sheriffs are appointed to fill short-term vacancies and whether those appointees seek election after the appointed term.

Note

  • The informational summary reflects the text and stated purpose within the bill as introduced and presented by the sponsors. Final status would depend on legislative actions and voter ratification in 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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