The proposed bill aims to establish the West Virginia Consumer Privacy Act of 2025, which is designed to protect consumers' personal financial information from being disclosed or sold without their written consent. The bill introduces new articles to the Code of West Virginia, specifically outlining the purpose of the act, definitions, and the rights of consumers regarding their financial data. It emphasizes that consumers must "opt-in" to any disclosure or sale of their personal financial information and mandates that they be informed about what information is being shared. This legislation seeks to enhance consumer privacy and security against identity theft and other deceptive practices.

Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for violations of the act, classifying them as misdemeanors with fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to one year. Each violation is treated as a separate offense, and the court may award reasonable attorney fees to consumers based on various factors. The bill also specifies the venue for civil actions related to violations, ensuring that consumers can seek redress in their local circuit courts. Overall, the West Virginia Consumer Privacy Act of 2025 aims to provide stronger protections for consumer financial privacy in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 46A-9-101, 46A-9-102, 46A-9-103