Bill > HB3378

This bill establishes legal protections for the privacy of legislative offices in West Virginia by creating new rules about recording and surveillance. Specifically, the bill provides that members of the West Virginia Legislature have a reasonable expectation of privacy within their private offices located in the State Capitol or other official legislative spaces. The legislation makes it unlawful for anyone, including staff, visitors, journalists, or third parties, to video record, audio record, or electronically intercept communications within a legislator's private office without prior consent. The bill also prohibits secretly installing surveillance devices and disseminating any unlawfully obtained recordings. There are exceptions for legislative security measures, recordings made with the legislator's express written consent, and lawfully authorized wiretaps or surveillance conducted with a valid court order. Violation of these provisions is considered a felony, with potential penalties including up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The primary aim of this bill is to protect the privacy and confidentiality of legislative offices and prevent unauthorized recordings or surveillance.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3378&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill