Relating to unfair or unconscionable debt collection practices
HB 4651 amends West Virginia law to change how debt collectors can charge interest or fees. It allows collectors to seek these charges if authorized by either the original debt agreement *or* state law (instead of requiring both), directly affecting debt collectors and consumers. Key provisions include capping collection fees for educational loans at 33.3% of the debt and requiring clear written disclosures when debts are past the statute of limitations. The bill also prohibits specific practices like collecting fees without proper authorization or contacting consumers after bankruptcy without legal basis.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 21, 2026
Last action Feb 6, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
3
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
To House Courts
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joe Funkhouser
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 4651
Scope: WV
Hi! I can help you understand HB 4651. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline