This bill seeks to amend West Virginia law by reinstating the ability to file civil actions for alienation of affection and criminal conversation. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 55-7-31, which allows such actions to be maintained unless they were initiated before the effective date of the new law. The bill clarifies that these claims can be brought against both natural and juridical persons, and it establishes that no cause of action can arise for acts occurring after the plaintiff and their spouse have physically separated with the intent for that separation to be permanent. Additionally, it sets a three-year statute of limitations from the last act of the defendant that gives rise to the cause of action.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 56-3-2a by removing the prohibition on civil actions for alienation of affections, thereby allowing these claims to be pursued once again. The previous law, which prohibited actions for breach of promise to marry and alienation of affections, is updated to reflect that such actions can now be initiated if they were not filed before March 6, 1969. This legislative change aims to restore legal recourse for individuals seeking to address grievances related to alienation of affection and criminal conversation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 56-3-2a, 55-7-31