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Virginia Poverty Law Center
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News and Insights

Explore important updates and perspectives from our team as we fight for fairness across Virginia.

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Featured: News

VPLC Joins National Coalition Defending FTC Independence

VPLC is among 40 consumer, privacy, and competition organizations filing an amicus brief in Slaughter v. Trump, supporting Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter in the challenge to her attempted removal by the President.  

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The Collection of Attorney Fees in Eviction Cases Has Sharply Increased in Virginia

In the News

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RADIO IQ

A new report from Virginia Poverty Law Center and VCU’s Eviction Lab shows how attorney fees are worsening Virginia’s eviction crisis — with courts awarding nearly $20 million in fees last year alone. Michael Pope reports.

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Unreasonable: Attorney Fees Deepen Housing Instability

Feature

A new report shows inflated attorney fees in Virginia eviction cases are pushing families deeper into debt and worsening the state’s housing crisis.

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Paying for Protective Order Relief Means Survivors Stay Safe

News

For survivors of domestic violence or sexual abuse, protective orders can include housing-related relief such as rent, utilities, or alternative housing.
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News

Who Can Afford to Serve in the General Assembly?

Members of the Virginia General Assembly currently earn about $18,000 per year in base salary — a level that has remained unchanged since 1992.

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News

Protecting Families’ Bank Accounts from Devastating Garnishment

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By James W. (Jay) Speer, Esq.

Support SB 301 (Senator VanValkenburg) and HB 602 (Delegate Hernandez)

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News

Consumer and Housing Protections Moving in the 2026 General Assembly

2026 Legislation on the Move

News

Improve Housing Affordability and Stability for Residents of Manufactured Home Communities

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By Christine E. Marra, Esq.

Support HB374 (Delegate Krizek)

News

Provide Equal Access to the Right to Appeal to ALL Regardless of Case Type

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By Christine E. Marra, Esq. and Janae Craddock, Esq.

SUPPORT: HB221 (Delegate Hope)

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News

Class Actions Provide Better Access to Justice

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By James W. (Jay) Speer, Esq.

SUPPORT: HB 449 (Del. Simon), SB 229 (Sen. Surovell)

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How We Drive Change Across Virginia

Advocacy

We’re a nonpartisan organization working to ensure fairness and access for everyone. We partner with communities and legislators to reshape the systems that affect Virginians’ daily lives.

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Education

We’re equipping individuals with the tools to understand and assert their rights, and supporting advocates and partners to defend those rights and shape fair policies.

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Litigation

We turn to the courts to hold unjust systems accountable and create long-term legal protections for low-income Virginians.

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