Bill > SB494

This bill amends West Virginia's electioneering communication reporting requirements to increase transparency in political advertising by lowering the spending threshold for reporting from $5,000 to $1,000, extending the reporting timeframe from 15 to 30 days before an election, and adding new disclosure requirements. The bill mandates that individuals and organizations spending $1,000 or more on electioneering communications (political advertisements that refer to a candidate but do not explicitly call for their election or defeat) must file a detailed report with the Secretary of State within 24 hours of certain disclosure dates. The report must include information about the expenditure, such as the names and addresses of the spenders, contributors, and the specific candidates mentioned. Additionally, the bill requires that electioneering communications include a clear disclaimer stating they are not authorized by the candidate and identifying the entity making the expenditure, with special requirements for broadcast, cable, satellite, and digital communications. Contributors must also provide more detailed personal information when making significant contributions. The Secretary of State is required to make these disclosure statements publicly available online within five business days, and the bill explicitly does not apply to federal office candidates.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=494&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill