This bill aims to enhance transparency in independent expenditure political communications in West Virginia by amending the reporting requirements for independent expenditures. Key changes include extending the reporting timeframe 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 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 the custodian of the books and accounts. It further stipulates that any person making independent expenditures must certify that the information provided is true and correct under penalty of perjury. The Secretary of State is tasked with preparing indices of independent expenditures and ensuring that reports are filed electronically and made accessible to the public within 24 hours. Overall, these amendments are designed to improve the accountability and transparency of political spending in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-8-2