This bill amends West Virginia's bribery and corrupt practices laws, specifically section 61-5A-9, to increase penalties for violations and clarify disqualification from holding public office. It reclassifies offenses related to bribery from misdemeanors to felonies, imposing harsher penalties, including fines up to three times the amount of the bribe or $250,000, and imprisonment ranging from three to ten years. Additionally, individuals convicted of these offenses will be permanently disqualified from holding any government office or position of trust.

The bill also introduces new provisions that ensure the penalties align with the severity of the offenses, including specific fines and imprisonment terms for different sections of the law. It removes previous misdemeanor classifications and associated penalties, replacing them with felony charges and stricter consequences. Furthermore, the bill includes a clause stating that nothing in this article shall conflict with federal law, ensuring compliance with higher legal standards. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework against bribery and corruption in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-5A-9