The West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act (“WVCCPA”) is a remedial statute designed to protect West Virginia consumers from improper debt collection. Only “consumers” have standing to file a lawsuit under the WVCCPA. The term “consumer” is defined as a natural person that owes a debt or allegedly owes a debt. But does a person still owe debt if that debt was discharged by a bankruptcy court? Although there is some conflicting case law in West Virginia, an answer is forming.

Prescription Advisory Systems & Technology, Inc. (“PAST”), a medical technology and software company, has filed a petition for relief under chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 18-12601).

PGHC Holdings, Inc., along with eight affiliates and subsidiaries, has filed a petition for relief under chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Lead Case No. 18-12537).

On October 26, the Eastern District of Wisconsin issued a ruling dismissing a Fair Credit Reporting Act case. In Garland v. Marine Credit Union, the Court granted summary judgment in favor of the debt collector, holding the dispute was a legal issue such that the consumer could not establish a factual inaccuracy in the credit reporting.

Dixie Electric, LLC, along with twelve affiliates and subsidiaries, has filed a petition for relief under chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Code for the District of Delaware (Lead Case No. 18-12477). Dixie Electric, based in Houston, Texas, is a provider of electrical infrastructure materials and services to the upstream and midstream oil industries.

Kraus Carpet Inc., along with five subsidiaries and affiliates, has filed a petition for recognition of a foreign proceeding under chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Lead Case No. 18-12057).

On August 16, seven Democrat senators proposed a bill (S.3351, named the “Medical Debt Relief Act of 2018”) to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to cover certain provisions related to the collection of medical-related debt. The proposed act would institute a 180-day waiting period under the FCRA before medical debt could be reported on a person’s credit report. Further, medical debt that has been settled or paid off would be required to be removed from a person’s credit report within 45 days of payment or settlement.

Samuels Jewelers, Inc., a jewelry retailer headquartered in Austin, Texas, with over 100 stores in 22 states, has filed a petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 11818).

Noon Mediterranean, Inc. (f/k/a Verts Mediterranean Grill), has filed a petition for relief under chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 18-11814).

J&M Sales Inc., along with nine subsidiaries and affiliates, has filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Lead Case No. 18-11801). The Debtors, based in Gardena, California, are a discount retailer of brand name apparel and household items, with 344 stores and over 9,800 employees nationwide.