The bill introduced on February 21, 2025, amends the Code of West Virginia to extend the prohibition on lobbying by former public officials from one year to five years after their public service or employment ends. This extension aims to strengthen ethical standards and prevent former officials from leveraging their previous positions for personal gain within a specified timeframe. The bill applies to all public officials and employees at various government levels and maintains existing ethical standards related to the use of public office for private gain, acceptance of gifts, and handling of public contracts.

In addition to the lobbying prohibition, the bill allows for certain exemptions for individuals who can demonstrate that the restriction would significantly hinder their ability to earn a livelihood, with the Ethics Commission responsible for establishing guidelines and evaluating applications on a case-by-case basis. The legislation also imposes restrictions on public officials and employees regarding employment and financial interests, prohibiting them from seeking employment or engaging in financial transactions with entities they regulate. Furthermore, it includes provisions to ensure transparency in decision-making processes and restricts compensation from multiple public employers for the same hours worked, thereby reinforcing ethical standards and preventing conflicts of interest in public service.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 6B-2-5