Relating to powers of Secretary of State under Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act

SB 854 amends West Virginia's Charitable Funds Act to expand the Secretary of State's enforcement authority when investigating charitable organizations, professional fund-raisers, or solicitors. It grants the Secretary the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas for witnesses and evidence, involve circuit courts to enforce subpoenas, and request legal assistance from the Attorney General. The bill does not create new penalties but clarifies existing enforcement mechanisms under §29-19-15 of the West Virginia Code. It directly affects entities required to comply with charitable solicitation regulations by strengthening oversight tools. The measure focuses on procedural improvements to investigations, not substantive policy changes.