The bill amends sections of the West Virginia Code related to the Ethics Commission, specifically focusing on the disclosure forms, statements, and reports required from lobbyists and sponsors of grassroots lobbying campaigns. It mandates that all disclosure forms, statements, and reports be prescribed by procedural rule and made available on the Commission's website. Additionally, the bill requires that lobbyist registration forms include specific information about the lobbyist's employer, the nature of their employment, and any contingent compensation agreements. It also stipulates that reports of expenditures exceeding $5,000 in grassroots campaigns must specify the media outlet involved.

Furthermore, the bill updates the registration process for lobbyists, requiring them to file a new registration statement every odd-numbered year and to report any changes in their employment status within a week. It also clarifies that sponsors of grassroots lobbying campaigns must register and report expenditures exceeding $5,000 within a three-month period or $1,000 within a month. The bill emphasizes transparency by requiring detailed reporting of campaign expenditures, including the identification of contributors and the purpose of the campaign, thereby enhancing the accountability of lobbying activities in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 6B-2-2, 6B-3-2, 6B-3-5
Engrossed Version: 6B-2-2, 6B-3-2, 6B-3-5