In an effort to better protect consumers in West Virginia, the state has introduced new laws aimed at regulating debt collection practices and ensuring fair treatment for debtors and creditors alike. The legislation, which was signed into law on February 19, 2026, comes as a response to increasing concerns about predatory lending and aggressive debt collection tactics in the state.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the establishment of a debt collection licensing system, which will require debt collectors to obtain a license from the state before engaging in any debt collection activities. This measure is intended to weed out bad actors in the industry and ensure that consumers are not subject to harassment or abuse by unscrupulous debt collectors.Additionally, the new laws also include provisions to protect consumers from certain predatory lending practices, such as high-interest loans and excessive fees. Under the new legislation, lenders will be required to disclose the total cost of a loan upfront, including all fees and interest charges, and will be prohibited from charging interest rates that exceed a certain threshold.West Virginia Attorney General John Doe, who has been a vocal advocate for consumer protection measures, praised the new laws as a significant step towards ensuring that consumers in the state are treated fairly and with respect. "These new laws will help to level the playing field between debtors and creditors and will provide much-needed protection for West Virginia consumers," said Doe in a statement.The new legislation has been welcomed by consumer advocacy groups, who have long been calling for stricter regulations to protect consumers from predatory lending and aggressive debt collection practices. "We are pleased to see the state taking action to address these important issues and to protect consumers from unfair treatment," said Jane Smith, a spokesperson for the West Virginia Consumer Protection Coalition.Overall, the introduction of these new laws represents a significant victory for consumer rights in West Virginia and is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy as a whole. By cracking down on predatory lending practices and ensuring fair treatment for debtors and creditors, the state is taking a critical step towards creating a more equitable and just financial system for all its residents.