This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish that filing fees paid by candidates for public office are non-refundable under any circumstances. Specifically, it adds a new provision stating that "in no case may a fee paid under this section be returned to a candidate." This change aims to clarify the rules surrounding filing fees, ensuring that candidates cannot receive refunds even if they withdraw from the race or fail to qualify for the ballot.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing language regarding the filing fees for candidates, particularly for presidential candidates, by changing the wording from "shall not exceed" to "may not exceed" for the maximum fee of $2,500. This adjustment maintains the cap on the filing fee while allowing for potential flexibility in its application. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the process and reinforce the finality of the filing fee payment for candidates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-5-8