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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.

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

Bill Text

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