HB4522 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Banning Foreign-backed spending on State Ballot Issues.

What is the status of HB4522?

Passed one chamber as of February 9, 2026. Latest action: To Workforce (February 10, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4522?

Ridenour, Bill (R, 100), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4522?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4522&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4522: Banning Foreign-backed spending on State Ballot Issues

Q: What does HB4522 do?

In its own words: To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §3-1D-1, §3-1D-2, and §3-1D-3, relating to foreign national contributions and participation in election administration or ballot measures; providing definitions; creating criminal penalties; prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing or participating in ballot measures; requiring certification be provided to Secretary of State; provide records be maintained and published on website; requiring quarterly reports; providing rule-making ability; and establishing enforcement power and a private cau.

Status: Passed one chamber, February 9, 2026

What the bill says

To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §3-1D-1, §3-1D-2, and §3-1D-3, relating to foreign national contributions and participation in election administration or ballot measures; providing definitions; creating criminal penalties; prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing or participating in ballot measures; requiring certification be provided to Secretary of State; provide records be maintained and published on website; requiring quarterly reports; providing rule-making ability; and establishing enforcement power and a private cau.

From the engrossed text, February 3, 2026:

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §3-1D-1, §3-1D-2, and §3-1D-3, relating to foreign national contributions and participation in election administration or ballot measures; providing definitions; creating criminal penalties; prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing or participating in ballot measures; requiring certification be provided to Secretary of State; provide records be maintained and published on website; requiring quarterly reports; providing rule-making ability; and establishing enforcement power and a private cause of action. ARTICLE 1D. Banning foreign backed spending on state ballot issues. §3-1D-1 Definitions. For purposes of this or any county or municipal ballot question, proposal, or initiative, including bond issues and levies. "Donation" means a payment, gift, subscription, loan, advance, deposit, or anything of value given to a person without consideration. "Election administration" means to participate in any way in the process of conducting and implementing an election. Election administration for the purposes of this article does not include post-election canvass, recount, contest and audit processes. "Foreign donations" are donations provided by a foreign national. "Foreign national" (2) A government, or subdivision, of a foreign country or municipality thereof; (3) A political party of a foreign country; or (4) Any entity, such as a partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons, that is organized under the laws …

Read the full official text

West Virginia HB4522: Banning Foreign-backed spending on State Ballot Issues

What the bill says

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