Bill > HB5506

This bill, titled "Prohibiting Compensation for Lobbying on Behalf of a Foreign Adversary," aims to prevent lobbyists from receiving payment for advocating on behalf of entities deemed "foreign adversaries" to the United States or West Virginia. The bill defines "foreign adversaries" broadly to include hostile foreign governments and entities, state sponsors of terrorism, and states with communist or totalitarian ideologies, with a specific list of countries and organizations provided annually by the West Virginia Secretary of Homeland Security. It also defines terms like "owned or operated in whole or in part" and "control" to clarify when an entity is considered associated with a foreign adversary. The core provision prohibits lobbyists from accepting any direct or indirect compensation for lobbying activities on behalf of a foreign adversary, a foreign political party of an adversary, or a client of a foreign adversary. Violators face civil penalties, including disgorgement of any compensation received and fines of up to twice the amount of compensation or a minimum of $5,000 per violation, with the Attorney General empowered to pursue these actions and seek injunctive relief. Additionally, the bill mandates that any lobbyist preparing to lobby for a foreign adversary must publicly announce their role and client upon entering any space.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5506&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill