CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Evidence of abusive practices by West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles has prompted lawmakers to propose overhauling the administrative process in drunken driving cases.

The Senate Judiciary Committee was expected to advance a bill Thursday that would create a new office of judges to preside over the DMV's requests to suspend or revoke the licenses of offending drivers.

The governor would appoint the chief judge of this new system, which would require law degrees of all its judges.

Critics allege the current hearing system is too heavily influenced by the DMV.

A Lincoln County Circuit Court judge who heard an agency appeal last year cited evidence that it trains its hearing examiners to consistently rule against defendants and allow contested evidence.

The Senate Judiciary Committee was expected to advance a bill Thursday that would create a new office of judges to preside over the DMV's requests to suspend or revoke the licenses of offending drivers.

The governor would appoint the chief judge of this new system, which would require law degrees of all its judges.

Critics allege the current hearing system is too heavily influenced by the DMV.

A Lincoln County Circuit Court judge who heard an agency appeal last year cited evidence that it trains its hearing examiners to consistently rule against defendants and allow contested evidence.