Direct File is the IRS’ first attempt to provide a free filing program comparable to existing commercial software. While the pilot was limited to people with simple tax returns in a handful of states, the Department of the Treasury estimated that one-third of taxpayers in those states — almost 19 million people — were eligible […]

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today proposed an interpretive rule explaining that many paycheck advance products, sometimes marketed as “earned wage” products, are consumer loans subject to the Truth in Lending Act. The guidance will ensure that lenders understand their legal obligations to disclose the costs and fees of these credit products to workers. […]

Shark Week 2024: Be Careful Where You Borrow By Jay Speer, Virginia Poverty Law Center Executive Director Welcome to Shark Week 2024, at least according to the annual designation fronm Discovery Channel   In years past, the Virginia Poverty Law Center has used this week to call out all the loan sharks attacking Virginia borrowers.  There […]

Utility providers cannot shut off your service for unpaid bills during certain unsafe periods.

As heat waves roll through Virginia, a new law to protect residents from unsafe utility shut-offs during periods of extreme weather goes into effect on July 1. Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) and Del. Irene Shin (D-Herndon) introduced a pair of bills to the General Assembly in January. The bills gained bipartisan support and were signed […]

We don’t need to tell you, Virginia is in the middle of a housing crisis. Lawmakers, courts, and funders need to do something. But what? We need to hear from you. VPLC is hosting a series of housing discussions across Virginia this summer, and we want to know: what are your experiences with the housing […]

By Jay Speer, VPLC Executive Director Last week Virginia legal aid programs and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association filed an amici (friend of the court) brief in a case before the Virginia Court of Appeals challenging the shady practices of Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) and other debt buyers that has led to over $217 million […]

Thousands of residential tenants across the Commonwealth live in dangerously unhealthy conditions, battling mold, pest infestations, broken plumbing, and failing heating and cooling systems. When these tenants turn to their local office of housing or court system for help, they are all too often turned away by judges and other officials who want to help […]

U.S. Supreme Court delivers good news for consumers and fair business practices, but expect more industry pressure on CFPB The Supreme Court today upheld the constitutionality of the funding method Congress chose for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, allowing a vital agency to continue its work in holding Wall Street and predatory lenders to account, […]

HB1370, introduced by Delegate Karrie Delaney, prohibits medical providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies.   VPLC supports this bill which has passed the House and a Senate committee. Why did Delegate Delaney introduce this bill and  Why is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau concerned about health care debt?  “The fact that the CFPB […]

Read the Black History Month Proclamation, signed by Governor Yougkin: WHEREAS, February is recognized and commemorated in the United States as Black History Month, and we recognize the people, historic events, and the cultural moments that have shaped American and world history and our society today; and WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia at Fort Monroe […]

In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing a list of twenty black attorneys who were truly the firsts of their time. Their fearless determination opened doors for many, for generations to come. by Angelica Cesario, Lawline Austin T. Walden In 1965, Austin T. Walden became the first black man appointed to a judgeship in […]

To download this sheet as a PDF, click here.

Help Get Rid of Zombie Mortgage Foreclosures HB 184 by Delegate Simon amends Virginia law concerning foreclosures. A second mortgage holder must detail what is owed and must prove they have sent monthly statements to the property owner to recover fees and interest covered by the period the mortgage appeared to be dead. To download […]

Make probate loans comply with the Virginia Fairness in Lending Act HB 648 by Del. Coyner deals with yet another attempt to evade the 2020 Virginia Fairness in Lending Act, which passed the House in a bipartisan 62-30 vote. VPLC believes that the Virginia General Assembly should determine what is a loan, not the company […]

Disclose all Mandatory Fees and Charges VPLC supports HB1320 (McClure) and SB388 (Pekarsky), which would require the disclosure of all mandatory fees and charges included in the advertised and displayed price of any good or service. This would create a clear, upfront picture of the total cost of a product. To download this fact sheet […]

Vote YES on House Bill 418 (Simon) The Virginia General Assembly passes laws to properly regulate marketplaces and protect individuals but many times those laws are not effectively enforced because government agencies may lack the necessary resources. Virginia and Mississippi are the only states in the country that do not allow class action lawsuits. Virginians […]

VPLC’s Jay Speer and Christie Marra appeared on Pod Virginia this week to discuss VPLC’s legislative agenda and advocacy around ending junk fees and protecting renters. Listen below or on Apple Podcasts:

Protect Virginia Consumers: Vote YES on SB 388 (Pekarsky) TAKE ACTION! Please contact the legislator who represents you in the House of Delegates and urge them to vote yes on SB 388. Tell them about the worst junk fees you have seen! This bill requires the disclosure of all mandatory fees and charges included in […]

Keep the Lights on for Virginians Experiencing Hard Times VPLC supports HB906 (Shin) and SB480 (Aird), which aim to introduce safeguards around utility shut-offs. Learn more about VPLC’s legislative agenda and get involved HERE. Update: This legislation has passed through the House, next it will be considered by the Senate. Legislative Overview Lower-income households spend […]

A proposal to incrementally increase the state’s minimum wage, from $12 to $15 hourly advanced through a Senate committee this week. The legislation, carried by Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, may fare well in both chambers, as Democrats now control both the Senate and House of Delegates. What it costs to live in Virginia “Economic […]