West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5366: Relating to rules governing the practice of law
Status: Signed into law, April 1, 2026
What the bill says
An act to amend and reenact §51-1-4a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to establishing that all records, files, or other documents gathered or provided pursuant to rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Appeals relating to the procedures, referrals, and services of the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program are not public records and are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. ARTICLE 1. SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS. §51-1-4a. Rules governing practice of law; creation of West Virginia State Bar; providing its powers, and fees for adminis.
From the enrolled text, March 14, 2026:
AN ACT to amend and reenact §51-1-4a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to establishing that all records, files, or other documents gathered or provided pursuant to rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Appeals relating to the procedures, referrals, and services of the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program are not public records and are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. ARTICLE 1. SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS. §51-1-4a. Rules governing practice of law; creation of West Virginia State Bar; providing its powers, and fees for administration. (a) The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia shall, from time to time, prescribe, adopt, promulgate, and amend rules: (1) Defining the practice of law. (2) Prescribing a code of ethics governing the professional conduct of attorneys at law and the practice of law, and prescribing a code of judicial ethics. (3) Prescribing procedure for disciplining, suspending, and disbarring attorneys at law. (4) Organizing and governing by and through all of the attorneys at law practicing in this state, an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, which shall be known as "The West Virginia State Bar." The West Virginia State Bar shall be a part of the judicial department of the state government and is hereby continued for the …