H. B. 4506

         (By Delegates Lane, C. Miller, Savilla, Nelson,

Armstead and Sobonya)

         [Introduced February 13, 2012; referred to the

         Committee on the Judiciary then Finance.]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §3-9-14, relating to absentee ballot fraud and providing felony criminal penalties.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §3-9-14, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 9. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.

§3-9-14. Absentee ballot fraud; intimidation of voters;              penalties.

    Any person who obtains, removes, fills out or disseminates absentee ballots or intimidates an absentee voter with the intent to commit fraud is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $10,000 nor more than $20,000 or imprisoned in a state correctional facility not less than one nor more than five years, or both fined and imprisoned.

    For the purposes of this section, each ballot obtained shall be considered a separate offense.

    NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to provide for a new felony of absentee ballot fraud.

    §3-9-14 is new; therefore, it has been completely underscored.