The bill seeks to amend and reenact various sections of the Code of West Virginia concerning election regulation and campaign finance. It introduces new definitions, including "corporation" and "membership organization," and clarifies reporting requirements for financial statements from candidates and their committees. The legislation allows corporations and membership organizations to contribute to candidates and political action committees, while also establishing limitations on these contributions. Additionally, it revises existing definitions, such as "electioneering communication," to enhance clarity and transparency in political financing.

Moreover, the bill imposes stricter regulations on contributions and expenditures from corporations and membership organizations, prohibiting coercive solicitation methods and mandating transparency regarding the political purposes of funds. It outlines penalties for violations, classifying them as misdemeanors with fines up to $10,000, and empowers the State Election Commission to investigate alleged infractions. Notably, the bill deletes a previous provision that permitted membership organizations or corporations to contribute to separate segregated funds for political purposes, thereby tightening the regulations surrounding political contributions and enhancing accountability in campaign finance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-8-1a, 3-8-5a, 3-8-5c, 3-8-8
Engrossed Version: 3-8-1a, 3-8-5a, 3-8-5c, 3-8-8