WV SB757

Creates a new private cause of action allowing individuals to sue any person who, acting under authority of state statute, rule, or local ordinance, deprives them of rights secured by the West Virginia Constitution or state laws

Permits injured parties to seek compensatory, nominal, and punitive damages through lawsuits, suits in equity, or other legal proceedings

Limits actions against judicial officers by prohibiting injunctive relief unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable

Allows courts discretion to award prevailing parties reasonable attorney's fees and court costs, including expert witness fees

Modeled after the federal civil rights statute (42 U.S.C. § 1983) but applied to state constitutional and statutory rights violations