WV HB3455

Requires agents of foreign principals to register with the West Virginia Secretary of State within 10 days of becoming an agent, file detailed registration statements including foreign principal information, compensation details, and political activities, and submit supplemental reports every six months

Mandates lobbyists exercise due diligence to identify any foreign principal connections of their clients, including investigating ultimate corporate ownership structures to uncover indirect foreign ownership interests

Prohibits registered foreign agents from serving in any capacity in West Virginia government or being elected to any state office

Establishes criminal penalties for violations: up to $5,000 fine and/or 3 months imprisonment for first offense, up to $10,000 and/or 6 months for second offense, and up to $100,000 and/or 1 year for third or subsequent offenses

Requires foreign agents to conspicuously label all informational materials as being distributed on behalf of a foreign principal and to disclose their registration status when appearing before legislative committees or contacting government officials