West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB2840

Introduced
1/19/23  

Caption

Relating to expenditures of federal appropriations from Congress to the Secretary of State for purposes that further the administration of federal elections held in the state

Impact

The implementation of HB 2840 will enable counties to secure necessary funding to update their voting systems, which is critical given the finite resources allocated under federal appropriations. By creating a revolving fund account, the state can continually reinvest the loan repayments into acquiring new technology or upgrading existing systems, ultimately leading to improved voting processes across West Virginia. The bill also includes provisions for matching funds and conditions under which counties can apply for financial assistance.

Summary

House Bill 2840 focuses on amendments to the Code of West Virginia concerning the administration of federal elections. The bill establishes the County Assistance Voting Equipment Fund, which will provide no-interest loans to counties for the acquisition, modification, or replacement of electronic voting equipment and related services. This initiative aims to enhance the voting systems within the state, ensuring compliance with federal mandates under the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2840 appears to be largely supportive among those advocating for better election infrastructure and compliance with federal voting standards. However, discussions around the allocation of funds and the eligibility criteria for loans may spark debates regarding equitable access for all counties, particularly in financially constrained areas. Stakeholders express a cautious optimism about the potential improvements to election integrity and efficiency that this bill could foster.

Contention

Despite the bill's focus on enhancing voting systems, potential points of contention include concerns regarding the management of state funds and the criteria for loan approval. Some legislators and advocacy groups may scrutinize how effectively the bill addresses the needs of all counties, particularly in the context of existing disparities in resources and capabilities. Furthermore, the flexibility afforded to the State Election Commission regarding the waiver of matching funds could lead to disparities in access among counties, generating discussions around fairness and accountability in the use of state and federal resources.

Companion Bills

WV SB643

Similar To Updating administration of federal elections held in WV

Previously Filed As

WV SB643

Updating administration of federal elections held in WV

WV SB631

Updating administration, funding, and requirements for federal elections held in WV

WV HB10524

To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the administration of elections for Federal, State, or local office in States which do not have in effect laws to permit units of local government to hold elections for local office in odd-numbered years, and for other purposes.

WV AR85

Urges Congress to appropriate additional federal funds for election security and voting equipment purposes.

WV SB307

Relating to the enforcement within this state of certain federal laws for federally declared public health emergencies.

WV SB131

Relating to the enforcement within this state of certain federal laws for federally declared public health emergencies.

WV SJR15

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution to provide for congressional term limits, the line-item veto, a balanced federal budget, a limit on federal debt, and the repeal of federal law by two-thirds of the several states.

WV HJR81

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution to provide for congressional term limits, the line-item veto, a balanced federal budget, a limit on federal debt, and the repeal of federal law by two-thirds of the several states.

WV HB11

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

WV SB1

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

Similar Bills

CA SB493

District agricultural associations: secretary-managers: compensation.

LA HB528

Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)

MO HB2798

Modifies the "Missouri Family Trust Company Act"

CA AB1044

Elections: Secretary of State.

AR SB63

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Reports By The Secretaries Of Cabinet-level Departments On The State Of Their Departments.

CA SB297

Elections: initiatives and referenda: withdrawal.

CA AB1206

Voter registration database: Electronic Registration Information Center.

CA AB2050

Voter registration database: Electronic Registration Information Center