This bill aims to enhance transparency in independent expenditure political communications in West Virginia by amending the reporting requirements outlined in the Code of West Virginia. Key changes include extending the reporting timeframe for independent expenditures from 15 to 30 days, lowering the spending threshold for reporting independent expenditures for statewide, legislative, or multicounty judicial candidates from $5,000 to $1,000, and reducing the aggregate spending threshold for independent expenditures from $10,000 to $2,500. Additionally, the bill mandates that both written and spoken disclaimers be included in certain digital communications related to these expenditures.

The bill also introduces new requirements for disclosure statements, which must now include the name and address of the person making the expenditure, as well as additional details about contributors and the nature of the contributions. A certification under penalty of perjury is now required to affirm the accuracy of the information provided. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any communication funded by independent expenditures must clearly state that it is not authorized by the candidate and must identify the person making the expenditure, with specific requirements for digital communications. Overall, these amendments are designed to improve accountability and transparency in political financing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-8-2