West VirginiaHB 53662026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to rules governing the practice of law

Sponsored By: Joe Funkhouser (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§51-1-4A

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Privacy for lawyer assistance records

Beginning June 12, 2026, records from the Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program can be kept confidential under Court rules. These records are not public if the rules designate them as confidential. This protects the privacy of attorneys who use the program.

Lawyers must join bar and pay fees

Beginning June 12, 2026, anyone who practices law in West Virginia must be a member of the State Bar in good standing. The Supreme Court sets a fee schedule that attorneys must pay to support administration. The law does not list fee amounts or timing. You must pay the Court-set fees to keep your status.

Supreme Court sets lawyer rules

Beginning June 12, 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeals sets the rules for practicing law in West Virginia. The Court defines the practice of law, sets attorney and judicial ethics, and runs lawyer discipline. The West Virginia State Bar continues inside the courts to enforce these rules under Court-approved bylaws. When Court rules cover an issue, any conflicting state laws no longer apply to that extent.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Joe Funkhouser
Republican • House

Cosponsors

James Robert "JB" Akers II
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 224 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 684)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 565)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 310)

Yes: 93 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Approved by Governor 4/1/2026
4/1/2026House
To Governor 3/25/26
3/25/2026House
House received Senate message
3/14/2026House
House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 684)
3/14/2026House
Communicated to Senate
3/14/2026House
Completed legislative action
3/14/2026House
House Message received
3/14/2026Senate
To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal
3/14/2026Senate
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal
3/14/2026Senate
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal
3/14/2026House
On 3rd reading
3/13/2026Senate
Read 3rd time
3/13/2026Senate
Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 565)
3/13/2026Senate
Senate requests House to concur
3/13/2026Senate
On 2nd reading
3/12/2026Senate
Read 2nd time
3/12/2026Senate
Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)
3/12/2026Senate
Reported do pass, with amendment and title amendment
3/11/2026Senate
Immediate consideration
3/11/2026Senate
Read 1st time
3/11/2026Senate
Introduced in Senate
3/5/2026Senate
To Judiciary
3/5/2026Senate
To Judiciary
3/5/2026Senate
On 3rd reading, Special Calendar
3/4/2026House
Read 3rd time
3/4/2026House

Bill Text

Engrossed
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Enrolled
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Introduced Version
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