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Bill > HB5561


WV HB5561

WV HB5561
Refer instances of election fraud to the attorney general for prosecution


summary

Introduced
02/16/2026
In Committee
02/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this bill is to require the Secretary of State to refer potential election fraud to the Attorney General for prosecution instead of a county prosecuting attorney.

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing law to change how potential election fraud is handled in West Virginia. Currently, the Secretary of State investigates election law violations and reports them to local prosecuting officials. This bill amends this by stating that in cases of potential election fraud, after the Secretary of State reviews the situation, they may refer the matter to the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute. This institute will then appoint a special prosecutor to review the findings and decide whether to initiate criminal proceedings. This shifts the responsibility for prosecuting election fraud from local county prosecutors to a state-level institute and a specially appointed prosecutor.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

To House Judiciary (on 02/16/2026)

bill text


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