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On January 16, 2026, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed new legislation aimed at protecting consumers in debt and ensuring fair treatment by creditors. The new laws, which will go into effect on February 1, 2026, come as a response to growing concerns over aggressive debt collection practices and rising consumer debt in the state.One of the key provisions of the new laws is the establishment of a Debtors' Bill of Rights, which outlines the rights and protections afforded to consumers in debt. Under the new legislation, debtors will have the right to receive clear and accurate information about their debts, including the amount owed, the identity of the creditor, and any fees or interest charges. Additionally, creditors will be required to provide debtors with a written notice before taking any legal action, giving them the opportunity to dispute the debt or seek assistance.The new laws also aim to curb abusive debt collection practices by prohibiting creditors from harassing or threatening debtors, using deceptive or unfair tactics, or contacting debtors at inconvenient times or places. Debtors will have the right to request that creditors only contact them in writing or through their attorney, and creditors will be required to respect these requests.In addition to the protections afforded to debtors, the new legislation also includes measures to hold creditors accountable for violating consumer protection laws. Under the new laws, creditors who engage in illegal debt collection practices may face penalties, fines, and other enforcement actions by the state's Attorney General's office.Governor Justice hailed the new legislation as a significant step towards ensuring a fair and transparent debt collection process in West Virginia. "These new laws will provide much-needed protection for consumers in debt and help prevent abusive practices by creditors," he said. "By enacting these measures, we are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate predatory behavior in our state."Consumer advocacy groups and legal aid organizations have lauded the new laws as a positive development for consumers in West Virginia. "These new protections will help level the playing field between debtors and creditors, ensuring that consumers are treated fairly and respectfully," said Sarah Thompson, a consumer rights advocate.Overall, the new debtor and creditor laws in West Virginia represent a significant step towards promoting fair and ethical debt collection practices and protecting consumers from abusive behavior. With these new measures in place, debtors can feel more confident in managing their debts and asserting their rights