Prohibiting Compensation for Lobbying on Behalf of a Foreign Adversaries

HB 3114 prohibits lobbyists from receiving compensation for lobbying West Virginia state officials on behalf of designated "foreign adversaries," such as governments of China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and other entities listed in the bill. It requires lobbyists representing these entities to self-identify as agents of foreign adversaries and creates penalties including civil fines, court-ordered return of payments ("disgorgement"), and injunctive relief for violations. The bill defines "foreign adversaries" broadly to include specific countries, terrorist organizations, and entities controlled by them, with the list updated annually by the Secretary of Homeland Security. It directly affects lobbyists and lobbying firms working with these designated foreign entities within West Virginia. The bill is currently in the introduction phase, having been filed with the House Judiciary Committee on March 4, 2025.