SB 520
Preventing foreign financial contributions in domestic political processes
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, Senate Bill 520, aims to prevent foreign nationals from influencing West Virginia elections and ballot initiatives. It defines key terms like ‘contribution’ and ‘foreign national,’ prohibits foreign governments, entities, or individuals from making donations, and establishes a cause of action and penalties for violations. The bill also includes provisions to protect the privacy of donors to tax-exempt organizations and outlines enforcement mechanisms through the Attorney General.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘contribution’ and ‘foreign national’ for the purpose of election regulation.
- Prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions, expenditures, or donations to influence ballot issues.
- Establishes a cause of action and civil/criminal penalties for violations.
- Creates a process for the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute violations.
- Provides for disgorgement of unlawful contributions by individuals or entities.
- Allows for statutory damages up to three times the amount of the prohibited contribution or expenditure.
- Protects the privacy of donors to tax-exempt organizations.
- Outlines penalties for disclosing donor information without legal justification.
Who is affected
- West Virginia voters
- Political committees and organizations
- Foreign governments and entities
- U.S. entities owned by foreign nationals
- Lobbyists
Notable changes
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