Providing that in no case shall a filing fee paid be returned to the candidate

HB 5226 amends West Virginia law to permanently prohibit the refund of filing fees paid by candidates for any elected office. The bill affects all candidates who pay fees under §3-5-8, including those running for statewide offices, judges, county officials, and party committee positions. It specifically states that fees paid - whether for president, governor, sheriff, or party committee roles - will not be returned if a candidate withdraws or fails to appear on the ballot. This change applies to all filing fees described in the existing statute, with no exceptions. The bill does not alter the fee amounts themselves but makes refunds impossible.