The bill introduced on March 17, 2025, amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the regulation of lobbying activities involving foreign principals and their agents. It establishes a new article that defines key terms such as "agent of a foreign principal" and "foreign principal," while introducing criminal liabilities and fines for violations of the new regulations. The bill mandates that lobbyists must report all agency and contracting activities on behalf of foreign principals and prohibits lobbying activities until registration is completed. Additionally, it requires lobbyists to exercise due diligence in identifying agents acting under foreign principals and emphasizes transparency regarding the ultimate corporate ownership of entities involved in lobbying.

Significant provisions include the requirement for agents of foreign principals to file a registration statement within ten days of assuming their role, with ongoing obligations to update their information every six months. The bill outlines exemptions for certain individuals, such as accredited diplomatic officers, and grants the Secretary of State authority to regulate the filing process and withdraw registration statements from public examination when appropriate. It also imposes strict penalties for willful violations, including fines and imprisonment, and mandates annual reporting to the Legislature on the administration of these regulations. Overall, the bill aims to improve accountability and oversight of foreign influence in state legislative processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 6B-3-1, 6B-3-2, 6B-3-4, 6B-3-6, 6B-3-7, 6B-3A-1, 6B-3A-2, 6B-3A-3, 6B-3A-4, 6B-3A-5, 6B-3A-6, 6B-3A-7, 6B-3A-8, 6B-3A-9, 6B-3A-10, 6B-3A-11