This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a State Central Legal Advertising Website, which will be created and maintained by the State Auditor. The website will allow individuals and entities required to post legal advertisements to do so free of charge, with the goal of increasing accessibility and efficiency in legal advertising. The State Auditor is also tasked with reporting annually on the website's usage and its financial impact, as well as making recommendations for further legislative action.

Additionally, the bill modifies the publication requirements for Class II and Class III legal advertisements when published on the new website, allowing for a single publication for one week instead of the previous multi-week requirements. It also introduces a provision for certifying service by publication through an electronic affidavit, which will be accepted by the courts as valid evidence. The bill includes rule-making authority for the State Auditor to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 59-3-2, 6-15-1, 6-15-2, 6-15-3