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HB 5423

To ensure that illegal aliens do not vote or operate a motor vehicle in the state.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Butler and 4 co-sponsors

HB 5423 tightens rules so non-citizens cannot vote or drive in WV, requiring eligibility verifications and penalties for violations.

To House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5423

Summary of HB 5423 (2026) – West Virginia

Title

To ensure that illegal aliens do not vote or operate a motor vehicle in the state.

Primary purpose and intent

HB 5423 is designed to tighten eligibility and compliance related to voting and motor vehicle operation by non-citizens. The bill seeks to deter non-citizens from participating in two activities that are currently regulated at the state level: voting (and related processes) and driving a motor vehicle within West Virginia.

Key provisions and changes

  • Voting-related restrictions (non-citizen participation):

    • Prohibits non-citizens ("illegal aliens") from registering to vote or voting in West Virginia elections.
    • Likely imposes reporting or verification requirements to ensure that individuals seeking to vote are eligible citizens, with penalties for improper registration or voting.
    • May require election officials to cross-check voter rolls with immigration or citizenship status data or to use stricter documentary proof of citizenship.

  • Motor vehicle operation:

    • Establishes or strengthens penalties for non-citizens who operate a motor vehicle in the state without proper authorization or legal status.
    • Could include verification steps for driver’s license issuance or renewal to ensure lawful presence.
    • Potential penalties for drivers found to be unlawfully operating a motor vehicle, including fines or other enforcement measures.

  • Enforcement and penalties:

    • Specifies consequences for violations related to voting and driving by non-citizens.
    • May empower law enforcement or state agencies to enforce these provisions, including potential fines, suspension of driving privileges, or criminal charges for repeat violations.

  • Administrative processes:

    • Details the procedures for agencies to verify eligibility (voter eligibility and driving authorization).
    • Outlines any required notice, hearings, or appeal rights in enforcement actions.

Who and what is affected

  • Individuals:

    • Non-citizens residing in West Virginia who might seek to vote or drive legally within the state.
    • Immigrants and others who may have non-citizen status or uncertain immigration status.

  • State agencies and officials:

    • Secretary of State (election administration) or local election officials for voting eligibility checks.
    • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for driver’s license/identification eligibility and enforcement.
    • Law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing driving and voting-related provisions.

  • Voting system and driver licensing framework:

    • Possible changes to voter registration processes, proof of citizenship requirements, and driver’s license issuance/verification criteria.

Timelines and procedural aspects

  • The bill would become effective on a specified date after enactment (often a governor’s signature or legislative enactment date).
  • Implementation timeline could include phase-in periods for new verification requirements, training for staff, and transition for updated records matching.
  • Potential grace periods for individuals to rectify status or documentation to avoid penalties.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Voter eligibility integrity: Aims to strengthen assurances that only eligible citizens vote in West Virginia elections.
  • Public safety and traffic law compliance: Seeks to ensure that driving privileges are reserved for authorized individuals.
  • Legal and civil rights considerations: Depending on language, the bill could raise concerns about non-citizens’ rights and due process, as well as how citizenship data is obtained and shared between agencies.
  • Administrative burden: Could increase verification workload for the DMV and election administrators, necessitating additional resources or data-sharing protocols.

Note: This summary captures the typical scope suggested by the bill’s title and intent. For precise language, definitions, penalties, data-sharing provisions, and effective dates, consult the official bill text and fiscal notes as enacted by the West Virginia Legislature.

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

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