HB 5614
Relating to the Truth in Giving Act
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Truth in Giving Act, aims to increase transparency for donors and customers of thrift operators in West Virginia. It requires these operators to clearly disclose whether donations benefit charitable organizations or for-profit businesses. The bill establishes rules for how this information must be displayed, and it creates potential criminal and civil penalties for violations, with recovered funds going to the state’s General Revenue Fund and the Secretary of State’s office. It also allows the Secretary of State to investigate and enforce these requirements.
Key provisions
- Requires thrift operators to disclose the name and contact information of the organization benefiting from donations.
- Mandates clear signage and documentation regarding whether donations support charities or for-profit businesses.
- Establishes criminal penalties (fines and jail time) for violations.
- Creates civil penalties for deceptive practices.
- Authorizes the Secretary of State to investigate violations of the disclosure requirements.
- Specifies how recovered funds should be distributed.
- Defines key terms related to the act, such as ‘charitable organization,’ ‘thrift operator,’ and ‘thrift sale.’
- Allows the Secretary of State to create legislative rules to implement the act.
Who is affected
- Thrift operators
- Donors of consumer goods
- Customers purchasing consumer goods from thrift operators
- Charitable organizations
- For-profit businesses
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