After scandal, W.Va. Supreme Court submits budget request

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia Supreme Court has submitted a budget proposal a year after its spending practices triggered an impeachment scandal.

Chief Justice Beth Walker submitted the request Tuesday for $131.15 million in the 2020 fiscal year, compared with appropriations of $139.7 million this year.

Several justices were impeached in August, but a temporary panel ruled the efforts were a violation of the separation-of-powers doctrine.

Voters passed a constitutional amendment giving the Legislature greater oversight of judicial branch finances.

Walker was asked again about spending practices Tuesday. It was revealed a probation officer used a state purchasing card to spend $64.