TELL GOVERNOR SPANBERGER: VIRGINIANS NEED CLASS ACTIONS

Did you know that Virginia and Mississippi are the only two states that don’t allow class action lawsuits in state court? These cases matter because they allow residents like you to band together to get compensation and some kind of relief from corporations and landlords that cause harm to many people at a time. Every other state besides ours and Mississippi allows communities to seek and receive justice as a group and to force bad actors to stop  illegal and harmful practices that prey on those who can afford it the least. The bad actors who routinely commit these practices are exactly who you would imagine – big corporations, landlords who oversee thousands of apartment units, and auto dealers who often cheat folks  into bad car deals. Without this tool, each person must fight their case one at a time in a system that is unaffordable and inaccessible to most.  

At the Legal Aid Justice Center, our attorneys regularly represent low income individuals who are victimized by bad actor corporations.  Unfortunately, there are only so many individual cases we can bring.  That is why we need the Governor to allow us to file class actions in court to defend our communities.

Higher income individuals or those with large claims can often file class actions in federal court.  However, ordinary residents, and especially low-income clients often cannot afford expensive lawsuits.

This year, our General Assembly passed a bill to change court procedures and allow state class actions.  Unfortunately, Governor Spanberger amended  the bill in ways that severely limit its effectiveness.  The General Assembly rightfully rejected these amendments, and Governor Spanberger again has the opportunity to sign this bill.  

What you can do: 

Use the form below to contact Governor Spanberger’s office and urge her to sign SB 229 and HB 449

Share this action: Forward this to neighbors, friends, and family. One in three Virginia households are renters, and our voices matter!