In response to a recent court opinion, the West Virginia legislature may act to reform certain campaign finance laws.
During interim sessions Tuesday, legislators said they want to create greater election accountability, which was the aim of a 2005 law that seeks to regulate various forms of advertising that “refers to a clearly identified candidate” within 30 days of a primary and 60 days of a general election.
Last month, U.S. District Judge David Faber blocked state elections officials from enforcing several of those provisions, agreeing with the Virginia-based Center for Individual Freedom that they were too vague.
“Maybe this is something we need to take up in the special session,” said Senate Minority Leader Don Caruth, R-Mercer.
Many lawmakers expect a special session to be called in June.
The Center for Individual Freedom wanted to buy ads in the state Supreme Court primary election, but argued the disclosure requirements were unconstitutional.
I’ve yet to locate and read Judge Faber’s opinion online. I’ve previously discussed the case.