An experimental bid to offer public funds to West Virginia's Supreme Court candidates would have to rely on revenues from sources other than fees.

The Senate Finance Committee removed fees on court filings and lawyers from the bill, before advancing the proposal Thursday to the full Senate on a non-unanimous vote.

The change leaves a $1-million transfer from a state administrative account as a revenue source, along with donations and any civil penalties from violations of the proposed program.

Gov. Joe Manchin included the bill in his session agenda after last year's blue ribbon study of the state's judiciary recommended a pilot program.

The bill would allow for public financing during the 2012 election, when two seats on the court are on the ballot.

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