HB4477

To give the Secretary of State authority to refer allegations of violations of election laws to West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute.

Chamber Passed·2/27/26

West Virginia HB4477 grants the Secretary of State authority to refer election law violations to the Attorney General for prosecution.

West Virginia HB4477 amends the state code to allow the Secretary of State to refer allegations of election law violations to the Attorney General for prosecution. This change applies when county prosecuting attorneys decline to prosecute after a 60-day review period. The bill also grants the Attorney General prosecutorial power over county and municipal elected officials in specific circumstances, such as corruption or prosecutorial misconduct. The Secretary of State retains duties including administering oaths, issuing subpoenas, and preparing annual reports on election administration.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 94–0 · Feb 27
Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

0
11
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Passed House (Roll No. 222)

94 Yea

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0 Nay

6 Absent

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Calendar

Jan 27

9:00 AM

House Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

Jan 27

11:00 AM

House Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

History

Mar 4

Senate

Introduced in Senate

Mar 4

Senate

To Judiciary

Mar 4

Senate

To Judiciary