West Virginia SB640: Prohibiting release of certain personal information of contributors to political elections

What the bill says

An act to amend and reenact §3-8-1a, §3-8-5a, and §3-8-11 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §3-8-6a, relating to prohibiting the release of an individual campaign contributor's address and employer information and the address of treasurers; defining terms; removing prohibition on distinguishing between entities in certain circumstances; requiring filing of financial statements with Secretary of State in local elections; creating misdemeanor criminal penalty; providing for monetary penalty if violation is not timely cured.

From the enrolled text, February 23, 2026:

AN ACT to amend and reenact §3-8-1a, §3-8-5a, and §3-8-11 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §3-8-6a, relating to prohibiting the release of an individual campaign contributor's address and employer information and the address of treasurers; defining terms; removing prohibition on distinguishing between entities in certain circumstances; requiring filing of financial statements with Secretary of State in local elections; creating misdemeanor criminal penalty; providing for monetary penalty if violation is not timely cured; and setting forth effective date. ARTICLE 8. REGULATION AND CONTROL OF ELECTIONS. §3-8-1a. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms have the following definitions: (1) "Ballot issue" means a constitutional amendment, special levy, bond issue, local option referendum, municipal charter or revision, an increase or decrease of corporate limits, or any other question that is placed before the voters for a binding decision. (2) "Billboard advertisement" means a commercially available outdoor advertisement, sign, or similar display regularly available for lease or rental to advertise a person, place, or product. (3) "Broadcast, cable, or satellite communication" means a communication that is publicly distributed by a television station, radio station, cable television system, or satellite system. (4) "Candidate" means an individual (B) Has filed a declaration of candidacy under §3-5-23 of this code; …

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