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WV HB5465
Bill
Status
2/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Mark Dean
Click for details
AI Summary
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Allows any person holding a master's degree, regardless of field of study, to sit for the West Virginia bar examination and become eligible for a law license
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Removes the current requirement that bar exam applicants have a law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school
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Maintains existing requirements that applicants be at least 18 years old, demonstrate good moral character, and have resided in their county for one year
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Deletes obsolete provision that previously allowed automatic bar admission for West Virginia University College of Law graduates who obtained degrees before July 1, 1983
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Introduced by Delegate Dean on February 12, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee
Legislative Description
Allow anyone with a master’s degree to sit for WV Bar exam and become licensed attorney
Professions and Occupations
Last Action
To House Judiciary
2/12/2026