May 29, 2019 •
West Virginia Elections Commission Works to Clarify Campaign Finance Law
The Elections Commission adopted legislative rules to enforce the provisions in Senate Bill 622.
Provisions include increasing campaign contribution limits and disclosure requirements for PACs and independent expenditure groups.
The commission worked on language to better clarify what committees and organizations are required to file contribution and spending disclosures.
It was also determined the law applies to organizations whose major or primary purpose is to influence the outcome of elections by spending money to support or oppose particular candidates or issues.
However, the law does not apply to other ballot issues such as referenda on proposed constitutional amendments.
The legislative rules will need to be approved by the full Legislature as part of its rule-making review process.
The process must happen during the 2020 regular session for the changes to go into effect before the 2020 elections.
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