Allowing the Secretary of State administer oaths and affirmations.

HB 5274 would amend West Virginia law to grant the Secretary of State new investigative powers when enforcing the Charitable Solicitation Act. Specifically, it allows the Secretary to administer oaths, issue subpoenas for witnesses and documents, involve circuit courts to enforce subpoenas, and request legal assistance from the Attorney General during investigations of charitable organizations, professional fund-raisers, or solicitors. These changes would directly affect the Secretary of State’s ability to conduct investigations and the entities subject to the Charitable Solicitation Act. The bill does not alter penalties for violations but streamlines enforcement procedures.