Bill > HB4522

This bill, titled "Banning Foreign backed spending on State Ballot Issues," aims to prevent foreign nationals from influencing West Virginia's elections and ballot measures by prohibiting them from contributing to or participating in any ballot measure campaigns. It requires any entity, other than a government body, that receives funds or services for election administration to certify to the Secretary of State whether they are knowingly receiving foreign donations, directly or indirectly. This certification must be renewed annually and updated within five business days of new information becoming available, and it must be sworn under penalty of perjury. Failure to provide an accurate or timely certification can result in a misdemeanor charge with a fine of three times the donation amount, and it will invalidate any agreements with government entities for election administration. The Secretary of State will maintain and publish these certifications online and require government entities to submit quarterly reports on who is providing election administration funds or services, which the Secretary will audit for compliance. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these provisions through legal proceedings, including injunctions and civil penalties of up to three times the donation amount. Additionally, any registered voter in the state can bring a civil lawsuit to stop violations, enforce the law, and recover statutory damages of $1,000 per day of noncompliance, along with court costs and attorney fees.

Justice, Labor and Employment, Military Affairs and Security

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4522&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill