Bill > SB891

This bill requires the State Auditor to create and maintain a State Central Legal Advertising Website by January 1, 2026, which will be freely accessible to the public and allow all persons or entities required to post legal advertisements to do so at no charge. The bill modifies existing legal advertising requirements by introducing new publication rules for Class II and Class III legal advertisements: if these ads are published on the new website, they only need to be published once for one week, instead of the current multi-week requirements. The State Auditor will also be responsible for creating an electronic affidavit form that legal advertisers can use to certify their advertisements were placed on the website, which will be accepted by courts as evidence of service by publication. Additionally, the Auditor is required to report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance about the website's usage, financial impact, and potential recommendations for future legislation. This bill aims to modernize and potentially streamline the legal advertising process in West Virginia by creating a centralized, digital platform for legal notices.

Budget and Finance

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=891&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill