This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 3-8-6a, which prohibits the public disclosure of certain personal information regarding individuals who contribute to political elections. Specifically, it seeks to protect the street number and street name in the residence and mailing addresses, as well as the major business affiliation, employer, and business information of contributors. The bill also establishes a misdemeanor criminal penalty for any state or local officer or employee who knowingly discloses this information in violation of the new provisions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections 3-8-5a and 3-8-11 to align with the new privacy protections. It introduces a civil penalty of $1,000 for contributors whose information is disclosed improperly, allowing them to recover damages from the responsible agency. The amendments also update the language regarding the penalties for various election-related offenses, ensuring that the enforcement of these regulations is clear and consistent. Overall, the bill emphasizes the importance of protecting the privacy of political contributors while maintaining accountability in election financing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-8-5a, 3-8-11, 3-8-6a