Expanding time frame for certain electioneering communication reporting requirements

Senate Bill 494 modifies West Virginia's electioneering communication reporting rules by lowering the spending threshold from $5,000 to $1,000 per calendar year for required disclosures. It extends the reporting deadline from 15 to 30 days for communications made within 12 hours before an election. The bill also mandates both written and spoken disclaimers on digital electioneering communications, requiring clear identification of the spender and a statement that the communication isn't authorized by the candidate. This affects political groups, committees, and individuals spending over $1,000 on election-related ads that mention candidates. The changes aim to increase transparency around election advertising while adjusting reporting timelines and requirements.