West Virginia SB142 mandates judges to recuse themselves in legal proceedings if a party’s lawyer or their law firm contributed over $250 to the.

West Virginia SB142 amends the Code to require judges in all courts of record to recuse themselves if a party’s lawyer or their law firm contributed more than $250 to the judge’s campaign. Effective July 1, 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeals will adopt rules implementing this requirement. Judges may ask parties and their lawyers to consider waiving recusal if they learn of the grounds for recusal. If the parties agree without the judge’s participation, the judge may participate in the proceeding, with the agreement recorded.

West Virginia SB142 mandates judges to recuse themselves in legal proceedings if a party’s lawyer or their law firm contributed over $250 to the.

West Virginia SB142 amends the Code to require judges in all courts of record to recuse themselves if a party’s lawyer or their law firm contributed more than $250 to the judge’s campaign. Effective July 1, 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeals will adopt rules implementing this requirement. Judges may ask parties and their lawyers to consider waiving recusal if they learn of the grounds for recusal. If the parties agree without the judge’s participation, the judge may participate in the proceeding, with the agreement recorded.