HB 2817
To require that political action committees (“PACs”) have the same reporting requirement as candidates for public office.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would require political action committees (PACs) in West Virginia to report their independent expenditures in the same way as candidates for public office. PACs would need to disclose information about their spending, contributors, and the purpose of their expenditures. The bill also establishes reporting thresholds and requirements for additional reports based on spending levels, and mandates clear public notices on communications funded by independent expenditures.
Key provisions
- PACs must report independent expenditures exceeding $1,000 annually.
- Reports must include details on expenditures, contributors (over $1,000), and the purpose of the spending.
- PACs must file reports electronically with the Secretary of State.
- Increased reporting requirements are triggered for expenditures of $5,000 or more for statewide/legislative candidates or $500 for county candidates.
- Additional reports are required for expenditures exceeding $5,000 or $10,000 within specific timeframes before elections.
- Communications funded by independent expenditures must include a clear public notice stating they are not authorized by the candidate.
- Maintain financial records for five years following disclosure.
- Penalties for non-compliance include fines and potential jail time.
Who is affected
- Political Action Committees (PACs)
- Candidates for public office
- Donors to PACs
- West Virginia Voters
- The West Virginia Secretary of State
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