West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5506: Prohibiting Compensation for Lobbying on Behalf of a Foreign Adversary.
Status: Introduced, February 13, 2026
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §6B-3-7a, relating to prohibiting compensation for lobbying a government officer or employee on behalf of a foreign adversary; providing legislative findings; definitions; prohibition on receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of a foreign adversary; action for disgorgement; civil penalties; injunctive relief; and pre-suit investigative powers for violation of prohibition; requirement to self-identify as an agent of a foreign adversary. ARTICLE 3. LOBBYISTS. §6B-3-7a. Prohibiting compensation.
From the introduced text, February 13, 2026:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §6B-3-7a, relating to prohibiting compensation for lobbying a government officer or employee on behalf of a foreign adversary; providing legislative findings; definitions; prohibition on receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of a foreign adversary; action for disgorgement; civil penalties; injunctive relief; and pre-suit investigative powers for violation of prohibition; requirement to self-identify as an agent of a foreign adversary. ARTICLE 3. LOBBYISTS. §6B-3-7a. Prohibiting compensation for lobbying on behalf of a foreign adversary. (a) Legislative Findings - The Legislature of West Virginia finds that foreign adversaries may be using lobbyists to promote issues in the United States and West Virginia for nefarious purposes. The Legislature finds that ensuring lobbyists are fully identified as agents of foreign adversaries while conducting activities in West Virginia is in the public's interest. (b) Definitions .--As used in this state sponsors of terrorism that have caused the deaths of American citizens, and states that align with communist or totalitarian ideologies. Specific entities comprising the list of prohibited foreign parties will be identified annually by the West Virginia Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General. The initial list of prohibited foreign entities includes any person or entity with any association …