Reform News
Reform
No real legal reform in ‘worst session ever’
CHARLESTON – The executive director of a statewide legal reform group has dubbed the just-completed regular session of the West Virginia Legislature the “worst session ever.”
Reform
For second straight session, citizen-only voting measure dies in House
CHARLESTON – For the second consecutive session, a resolution that would have amended the state Constitution to ensure only United States citizens vote in West Virginia elections again died in the House of Delegates.
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Reform
Democrats condemn bill that would trim timeframe for child sexual abuse lawsuits
CHARLESTON – A House of Delegates bill would change the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse civil lawsuits.
Reform
Citizen-only voting resolution moves ahead in W.Va. Senate
CHARLESTON – A resolution that would amend the state Constitution to ensure only United States citizens vote in state elections now is moving quickly.
Reform
Citizen-only voting resolutions awaiting action in W.Va. Legislature
CHARLESTON – With just more than two weeks remaining in the 2025 west Virginia legislative session, two resolutions that would amend the state Constitution to ensure only United States citizens vote in state elections are languishing in committee.
Reform
Two legal reform bills fail to pass Senate Judiciary
CHARLESTON – Tort reform advocates are expressing concern over the failure of two bills to make it out of the state Senate Judiciary Committee. But, a statewide group for trial attorneys say the defeat of the bills was a victory for West Virginia citizens.
Reform
State Senate passes bill to bring back partisan judicial elections
CHARLESTON – The state Senate has passed a bill that would return partisanship to West Virginia judicial elections.
Reform
Lawmakers again aim for Constitutional amendment on citizen-only voting
CHARLESTON – A House resolution to amend the state Constitution to ensure only United States citizens vote in West Virginia elections has been introduced again. House Joint Resolution 13 was introduced February 18 by Delegate Scot Heckert (R-Wood).
Reform
WVCALA says ‘tort tax’ costs citizens $697 each; trial lawyer group disputes these claims
CHARLESTON – A statewide legal reform group says a recent economic impact study shows lawsuit abuse continues to cost West Virginians jobs and hurt the local economy. But a group for state trial attorneys dispute the results, saying the so-called “tort tax” isn’t real.
Reform
A few legal reforms likely part of 2025 session agenda
CHARLESTON – As the 2025 West Virginia legislative session kicks off, a few legal reform items likely will be addressed.
Reform
West Virginia barely mentioned in annual Judicial Hellholes report
CHARLESTON – For years, West Virginia found itself at or near the top of the American Tort Reform Association’s annual Judicial Hellholes report.
Reform
Manchin helps lead effort to establish Supreme Court term limits
WASHINGTON – Two U.S. Senators have filed a joint resolution proposing a Constitutional amendment to establish term limits for U.S. Supreme Court Justices.
Reform
Study says West Virginia’s tort costs are down thanks to legal reform
CHARLESTON – A new study shows West Virginia’s tort costs declined 20 percent from 2016 to 2022, as its per-household tort costs was the lowest in the nation for 2022.
Reform
WV CALA announces Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week
CHARLESTON – West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse has kicked off Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week to shine a light on what it calls injustices plaguing our state’s civil justice system.
Reform
Some sun, mostly clouds in W.Va. Chamber's state economic forecast
CHARLESTON – The economic forecast for West Virginia includes some dark clouds, according to a West Virginia Chamber of Commerce report.
Reform
WV CALA has roundtable discussions on legal reform, releases updated Dirty Dozen list
CHARLESTON – A statewide legal reform group recently held two roundtable discussions on legal reform in Kanawha and Cabell counties.
Reform
Study finds WV worst state for medical malpractice
CHARLESTON — A recent report shows West Virginia had the highest payouts of any other state in the nation regarding medical malpractice claims.
Reform
Legal reform watchers call legislative session a success
CHARLESTON – While many have complained about the lack of results in the recently completed legislative session, a few legal reform bills were passed.
Reform
WVAJ president says group's legislative goal is to protect right to trial by jury
CHARLESTON – As the legislative session rolls on, the president of a group for state trial attorneys says their goal remains simple.
Reform
West Virginia only receives praise in latest Judicial Hellholes report
WASHINGTON – This year's annual Judicial Hellholes list praises West Virginia for a Supreme Court of Appeals ruling and a new law.