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HB 5520

Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration and Transnational Repression Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Butler and 6 co-sponsors

The bill creates a framework to identify and restrict foreign adversaries in West Virginia through mandatory registration of agents, procurement bans on scrutinized foreign entitie

To House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5520

Summary of HB 5520 (2026) – Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act; Transnational Repression Act; Foreign Adversary Contracting Prohibition Act (West Virginia)

Note: The bill creates three core frameworks and adds related amendments to lobbyist registration requirements.

1) Purpose and overall intent

  • Establishes three new statutes aimed at increasing transparency and accountability regarding foreign adversaries and foreign terrorist organizations operating in West Virginia:
    • Foreign Adversary Contracting Prohibition Act (Chapter 6D)
    • Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act (Chapter 15, Article 17)
    • Transnational Repression Act (included in Chapter 15, Article 17)
  • Aims to publicize foreign influence operations, tighten procurement with scrutinized entities, and counter transnational repression within the state.

2) Key provisions and changes

A. Foreign Adversary Contracting Prohibition Act (Chapter 6D, §6D-2-1)

  • Definitions:
    • “Foreign adversary,” “scrutinized company,” “technology-related product or service,” and related terms.
    • Public entity and foreign adversary contracts are covered.
  • Procurement restrictions:
    • Public entities must certify bidders are not scrutinized companies and will not subcontract with scrutinized companies for the specified technology-related products or services.
    • Prohibits state/local funds transfer to scrutinized companies for such products/services.
    • Exceptions allow procurement if no reasonable alternatives exist, with Department of Administration pre-approval, to mitigate national security risk, or if the buyer is an electric utility meeting Critical Infrastructure Protection standards.
  • Scope includes bids, proposals, contracts, and contract renewals involving technology-related products or services.

B. Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act (Chapter 15, Article 17)

  • Title and structure:
    • Sections 1-13: Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act
    • Sections 14-20: Transnational Repression Act
  • Definitions (selected):
    • “Adversary nation,” “foreign principal,” “foreign terrorist organization,” “agent of a foreign principal,” and “covered activities” (political activities, public relations, publicity, fundraising, etc.).
    • Excludes bona fide media entities meeting specific ownership/control criteria from registration as agents.
  • Registration requirements (§15-17-4):
    • Individuals or entities acting as agents of foreign principals must file a registration statement within 10 days of becoming an agent, with detailed disclosures about ownership, control, compensation, activities, and relationships with foreign principals.
    • Biannual or periodic supplements required; changes must be reported within 10 days.
  • Exceptions (§15-17-5):
    • Includes diplomats, certain foreign government officials, practicing attorneys representing foreign principals in court (with limits), and some immigration-related legal aid.
  • Penalties (§15-17-10):
    • Civil/criminal penalties for willful violations; fines $10,000-$50,000; 1-3 years’ imprisonment; potential deportation for non-U.S. nationals.
    • Postsecondary institutions may impose expulsions or campus bans for violations.
  • Attestation and reporting (§§15-17-11 to 15-17-12):
    • Business entities must attest compliance; a public-facing portal will display registrants and activities.
    • Portal functionality and cross-agency data sharing with other states/federal government contemplated.
  • Compliance and enforcement (§§15-17-13 to 15-17-20):
    • Investigative rules, civil investigative demands, and training/reporting requirements.
    • Training for law enforcement on transnational repression implications (see next section).
    • Website and reporting mechanisms for transnational repression (see Transnational Repression Act).

C. Transnational Repression Act (Part of Article 17)

  • Purpose: Counter transnational repression by foreign governments or terrorist organizations against WV residents.
  • Training and reporting:
    • State Police may develop detection/response training for law enforcement.
    • Establishes reporting mechanisms and public awareness campaigns.
  • Penalties and protections mirror those in the broader registration act, with emphasis on recognizing harassment, censorship, threats, and coercive actions.

3) Who would be affected

  • Individuals and entities acting as agents of foreign principals (adversary nations or foreign terrorist organizations) operating in West Virginia.
  • Public entities and contractors engaging in technology-related procurements with potential scrutiny regarding “scrutinized” companies.
  • Businesses and nonprofit organizations required to attest compliance with the new act (via biennial or annual reporting channels).
  • Postsecondary institutions, which may enforce disciplinary actions for violations.
  • Law enforcement and state agencies responsible for enforcement, education, and transparency via the new portal and training programs.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Registration and supplements: within 10 days of becoming an agent; ongoing six-month supplement cadence; changes within 10 days.
  • Renewal and lapsed registration: ongoing obligation; failure to renew terminates authority to lobby or engage in regulated activities.
  • Public portal: to be established by Attorney General; periodic six-month postings; cross-border data sharing contemplated.
  • Training and reporting: State Police to develop ongoing training; empirical transnational repression reporting to Legislature.
  • Penalties: statute specifies ranges and potential deportation for foreign nationals.

Overall, HB 5520 introduces comprehensive registration, contracting prohibitions for scrutinized foreign-affiliated entities, and a transnational repression framework aimed at transparency, accountability, and public safety in West Virginia.

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

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