Technology

HB 4866 creates the West Virginia Public Participation Protection Act, which establishes a legal process to quickly dismiss lawsuits targeting protected public speech. The bill allows defendants to file a "special motion to dismiss" within 60 days if a lawsuit claims to be based on free speech, petitioning government, association on public issues, digital expression (like social media), consumer reviews, or information gathering for expressive works. If the motion is filed, all court proceedings automatically pause until the court rules, and the plaintiff must prove they have a strong case to win. This applies to all pending and future cases involving public concern issues, but excludes state enforcement actions and pure contract disputes without public interest.

HB 4045, titled "The Rossi Act," requires businesses in West Virginia that provide goods, services, or utilities (including digital accounts) to allow customers to make changes to their accounts by phone or mail, with necessary identity verification. This applies to entities like utility companies, internet providers, and other service businesses operating in the state. The bill mandates compliance with this requirement, and failure to do so would be enforced under the existing West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by the Attorney General. The law aims to provide accessible account management options for consumers without requiring online access.