This bill amends West Virginia's election regulations, specifically targeting the penalties associated with the failure to file required campaign finance reports or the submission of grossly incomplete or inaccurate reports. The civil penalties for such violations are significantly increased: from a previous rate of $10 per day to a maximum of $500 for the first violation, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation. Additionally, the bill mandates that political committees receive notice of any filing violations before penalties are assessed, and it grants the Secretary of State the authority to extend compliance deadlines by up to 14 days.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions allowing the Secretary of State to negotiate settlement agreements for civil penalties, including installment payment plans. If penalties remain unpaid for over 30 days, they will be referred to a debt collection agency. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to maintain an online list of individuals who file late campaign finance statements, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance compliance with campaign finance reporting requirements and deter future violations through increased penalties and structured notification processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-8-7