This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the requirements for campaign financial statements filed by candidates for municipal office. It mandates that candidates for municipal offices must file their financial statements with the county clerk, and it specifies that all financial reports for elected offices must be published online by the filing officer within 48 hours after the close of the filing period. The bill clarifies that candidates for offices to be elected by voters in a single county or a political division within a single county, as well as those for municipal offices, are subject to these filing requirements.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for electronic filing of financial statements for certain high-level offices and political committees, while allowing candidates for other offices to file by mail, in person, or electronically. It also includes a provision for candidates who are unable to file electronically due to circumstances beyond their control, allowing them to submit their statements through alternative means. The previous requirement for the Secretary of State to post sworn financial statements on the Internet within 10 business days has been removed, and the new requirement for timely online publication by the filing officer has been established.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-8-5b
Engrossed Version: 3-8-5b