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, ensuring that all contributions and expenditures are accurately reported.

Moreover, the bill outlines specific provisions regulating contributions and expenditures from membership organizations, corporations, and separate segregated funds. It prohibits coercive fundraising practices and mandates that solicitors inform potential donors of the political purposes of the funds. The bill also removes a previous provision allowing corporations to authorize the use of their funds for direct contributions to candidates, while still permitting the establishment of separate segregated funds. The State Election Commission is granted authority to investigate violations and enforce compliance, with penalties for offenders classified as misdemeanors. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and enhance the regulatory framework governing campaign finance in West Virginia.

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