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WV HR4
Resolution
Status
1/8/2025
Primary Sponsor
Roger Hanshaw
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AI Summary
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Declares the 91st Delegate District seat vacant after Delegate-Elect Joseph A. DeSoto failed to take the Oath of Office on January 8, 2025, as required by the West Virginia Constitution
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DeSoto was arrested on December 11-12, 2024, on felony charges of making terroristic threats against public officials after allegedly threatening to kill several House members, claiming he was directed by God
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Berkeley County Magistrate Court bound DeSoto over to the grand jury on December 23, 2024, with release conditions including home confinement that prevent him from appearing at the Capitol
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Two House members obtained Personal Safety Orders prohibiting DeSoto from any contact with them or being in their presence, effective through at least 10 days after the 2025 legislative session
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Directs the Clerk to certify and deliver the resolution to DeSoto and requires the Speaker to notify the Governor and Berkeley County Republican Executive Committee of the vacancy
Legislative Description
Declaring a vacancy in the Ninety-First Delegate District of the West Virginia House of Delegates due to the failure to take the Oath of Office by the Delegate Elect as required by Article VI, Section 16 of the Constitution of West Virginia
Last Action
Completed legislative action
1/8/2025