West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5000: Prohibit the use of school resources in election advocacy efforts and prohibit school employees from political activity during their work hours or on behalf of the school administration
Status: Introduced, January 30, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §3-8-12 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to prohibiting the use of school resources in election advocacy efforts; and prohibiting school employees from political activity during hours or on behalf of the school administration. ARTICLE 8. REGULATION AND CONTROL OF ELECTIONS. §3-8-12. Additional acts forbidden; circulation of written matter; newspaper advertising; solicitation of contributions; intimidation and coercion of employees; promise of employment or other benefits; limitations on contributions; public contractors; penalty. (a) A person.
From the introduced text, January 30, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §3-8-12 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to prohibiting the use of school resources in election advocacy efforts; and prohibiting school employees from political activity during hours or on behalf of the school administration. ARTICLE 8. REGULATION AND CONTROL OF ELECTIONS. §3-8-12. Additional acts forbidden; circulation of written matter; newspaper advertising; solicitation of contributions; intimidation and coercion of employees; promise of employment or other benefits; limitations on contributions; public contractors; penalty. (a) A person may not publish, issue, or circulate, or cause to be published, issued, or circulated, any anonymous letter, circular, placard, radio or television advertisement, or other publication supporting or aiding the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate. (b) An owner, publisher, editor, or employee of a newspaper or other periodical may not insert, either in its advertising or reading columns, any matter, paid for or to be paid for, which tends to influence the voting at any election, unless directly designating it as a paid advertisement and stating the name of the person authorizing its publication and the candidate in whose behalf it is published. (c) A person may not, in any room or building occupied for the discharge of official duties by any officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision of …