Bill > HB5641

This bill mandates that all state, county, and municipal governing bodies, along with any associated boards, commissions, authorities, or other entities where a majority of the governing board is appointed, confirmed, or removable by a state, county, or municipal government, must provide timely public financial transparency. These entities are required to participate in the West Virginia Checkbook system or an approved, substantially similar public transparency platform, with participation being mandatory and not optional. The requirement takes effect at the beginning of the first full fiscal or business year in calendar year 2027, and financial data must be reported no more than two months behind actual financial activity. Entities must also prominently link to their transparency records on their official websites and share the link on social media at least annually. Failure to comply will result in civil penalties, including a quarterly fine of $500 for non-participation and escalating monthly fines for delayed reporting, calculated based on how far behind the data is. The State Auditor's Office will oversee compliance, assess and collect fines, and provide necessary guidance.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5641&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill