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Bill

HB 5274

Allowing the Secretary of State administer oaths and affirmations.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Funkhouser and 2 co-sponsors

Authorizes West Virginia's Secretary of State to administer oaths and affirmations, potentially streamlining government operations but raising questions about scope and redundancy with existing officials.

To House Judiciary
#constitutionalofficers
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Bill Summary · HB 5274

Legislative bill overview

HB 5274 would authorize West Virginia's Secretary of State to administer oaths and affirmations to individuals. Currently, this authority is likely limited to other officials such as judges, notaries public, or specific state officers. The bill expands the Secretary of State's administrative powers to include this function.

Why is this important

This change could streamline government operations by allowing the Secretary of State's office to handle oath-taking for official documents, employee onboarding, or ceremonial purposes without requiring individuals to seek out alternative officials. However, the practical impact depends on how frequently this need arises and whether it addresses a genuine gap in current procedures.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope clarity: The bill doesn't specify which oaths/affirmations qualify or under what circumstances the Secretary of State would administer them, potentially creating ambiguity
  • Notary and judicial redundancy: Questions may arise about whether this duplicates existing authority already held by notaries public, judges, or other state officials
  • Implementation details: No apparent provisions addressing training, documentation standards, or liability—leaving procedural questions unanswered

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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