West Virginia Press Association
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Association for Justice presented its 2025 Ralph Young Award for Consumer Advocacy to Angela Vance, AARP West Virginia associate state director for advocacy. She was selected for the award in recognition of her work on House Bill 3162, which was passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
The new law ensures that claims filed under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act can continue through the legal process even if the claimant passes away. Surviving spouses and family members may now pursue justice on their behalf. The law becomes effective Friday, July 11, 2025.
“Angela Vance was instrumental in leading the efforts to get this critical new law passed. It will help protect older West Virginians and allow their families to recover financial losses. It also sends a clear message to swindlers, abusive debt collectors and criminals — West Virginia will not allow you to prey on our seniors,” said Steven Broadwater, the 2024 – 2025 WVAJ president.
“Prior to the passage of this bill there was no incentive to follow state consumer laws if the client was older. There was evidence that the elderly were being treated worse than other consumers. There are outrageous examples of seniors being harassed and scammed even as they were dying. Abusive debt collectors and others used this gap in the law as a shield for their behavior. They knew any claims would die with the person who was being targeted.”
“Angela’s hard work ensures that older West Virginians are protected. If corporations or individuals violate our consumer protection laws, they will still be held 100 percent accountable even if the client dies before the claim can be resolved.”
Broadwater presented the award to Vance at WVAJ’s annual convention in June.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for AARP’s ongoing advocacy on behalf of older West Virginians and their families,” said Vance. “AARP has long championed protections against financial exploitation and abuse, and this legislation reflects our commitment to promoting fairness, accountability, and justice.”
“Policymakers have a responsibility to shield consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices. Strong state laws — such as West Virginia House Bill 3162 — are essential tools in this effort. By allowing legal actions to continue after a consumer’s death, this law not only protects the rights of older adults and their heirs, but also sends a clear message that predatory behavior will not go unpunished.”
Vance has served as AARP West Virginia’s Associate State Director for Advocacy since 2004. In this role, she works closely with the West Virginia Legislature, the state’s Congressional delegation, and both state and federal agencies serving older adults. She also leads AARP’s Capitol Advocacy Team, recruiting and managing volunteers to support legislative efforts. She is a graduate of Marshall University. Prior to joining AARP, she worked as a social worker and as a staff person for the West Virginia House of Delegates.
WVAJ has presented its consumer advocacy award since 2009. The award was renamed as the Ralph Young Memorial Award for Consumer Advocacy in 2019. Ralph Young was one of West Virginia’s leading consumer lawyers and practiced with the Fayetteville law firm of Hamilton, Burgess, Young, and Pollard. He passed away in 2018.
The West Virginia Association for Justice and its members are committed to preserving and improving our civil justice system in order to ensure that any person who is injured by the misconduct and negligence of others can obtain justice in America’s courtrooms.
