SB 640
Prohibiting release of certain personal information of contributors to political elections
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to protect the privacy of West Virginia voters by prohibiting the public release of an individual’s employer information when they make political contributions. Specifically, it restricts the disclosure of addresses and employer names of contributors to election finance reports. Violations of this law will result in misdemeanor criminal penalties for both individuals and state/local officials who improperly disclose this information.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the release of an individual's employer name and address when included in political contribution reports.
- Applies to contributions made to political elections.
- Establishes a misdemeanor criminal penalty for disclosing this information.
- Allows a civil penalty of $1,000 for individuals whose information is publicly disclosed.
- Provides a penalty for state or local officials who knowingly disclose contributor information.
- Offers an alternative reporting procedure for fund-raising events with gross receipts under $5,000.
- Requires disclosure of membership organization affiliations.
- Specifies how anonymous contributions should be handled.
Who is affected
- Political contributors in West Virginia
- Political campaigns and committees
- State and local government officials
- West Virginia residents making political contributions
- Political organizations
Notable changes
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