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WV HB4866

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/28/2026

Primary Sponsor

Bill Ridenour

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates the West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act, an anti-SLAPP law designed to protect citizens from meritless lawsuits intended to silence public participation and free speech
  • Allows defendants to file a special motion to dismiss within 60 days of being served, which automatically stays all proceedings and discovery until resolved
  • Requires courts to hold hearings within 45 days of the motion filing and issue rulings within 30 days after the hearing
  • Awards prevailing defendants full attorney's fees, costs, and litigation expenses, with mandatory treble costs or civil penalties if the court finds the lawsuit was filed in bad faith to chill protected expression
  • Covers digital and online expression including social media posts, blogs, consumer reviews, and information gathering for expressive works on matters of public concern

Legislative Description

Relating to creating the West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act

Actions, Suits and Liens

Last Action

To House Judiciary

1/28/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/28/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available