The proposed bill seeks to improve transparency and accountability in lobbying activities in West Virginia by amending various sections of the Code of West Virginia and introducing new regulations. A significant change is the establishment of an electronic lobbyist registration and reporting system by the Ethics Commission, which must be operational by December 31, 2025. This system will facilitate electronic registration and reporting for lobbyists, while also providing a public database with lobbyist information, including photographs and identification badges that must be worn on Capitol grounds. Additionally, the bill increases registration fees from $100 to $250 and mandates stricter reporting requirements, raising the frequency of reports from three to six times a year and enhancing the detail required in expenditure reporting.

Moreover, the bill prohibits lobbyists from receiving contingent fees and making political campaign contributions, while also banning officials from soliciting or accepting such contributions from lobbyists. It introduces updated penalties for violations, including civil liabilities and a three-year ban on lobbying for repeat offenders, and establishes enhanced document retention requirements, mandating that lobbyists maintain records for five years. The bill also outlines new duties for lobbyists, such as disclosing adverse interests to employers and avoiding deceptive practices, all aimed at fostering a more regulated and ethical lobbying environment in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 6B-3-1, 6B-3-2, 6B-3-3, 6B-3-3a, 6B-3-4, 6B-3-5, 6B-3-7, 6B-3-9, 6B-3-10, 6B-3-11, 6B-2-12
Committee Substitute: 6B-3-1, 6B-3-2, 6B-3-3, 6B-3-3a, 6B-3-4, 6B-3-5, 6B-3-7, 6B-3-9, 6B-3-11, 6B-2-12, 6B-3-12
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 6B-3-1, 6B-3-2, 6B-3-3, 6B-3-3a, 6B-3-4, 6B-3-5, 6B-3-7, 6B-3-9, 6B-3-11, 6B-2-12, 6B-3-12