The proposed bill aims to enhance transparency in lobbying activities in West Virginia by amending various sections of the Code of West Virginia and introducing a new section, 6B-2-12, which mandates the development of an electronic lobbyist registration and reporting system by December 31, 2025. This system will facilitate online registration and electronic filing of reports, providing public access to information about registered lobbyists. Key changes include increasing lobbyist registration fees from $100 to $250, modifying the reporting frequency from three to six times a year, and implementing stricter regulations on lobbyist activities, such as prohibiting contingent fees and requiring compliance audits. The bill also reduces financial thresholds for grassroots lobbying campaigns and updates definitions and duties of lobbyists, including mandatory disclosure of compensation and restrictions on certain public agencies from engaging lobbyists.

Additionally, the bill enhances the obligations of lobbyists by requiring detailed reporting of expenditures, including a breakdown of expenses and identification of individual expenditures over $25 for entertainment. It mandates the preservation of financial records for five years and introduces penalties for violations, including civil liabilities for lobbyists and their employers. The legislation prohibits deceptive practices and requires consent from employers when representing adverse interests. Local governments are allowed to adopt similar regulations, and the bill establishes that law enforcement agencies cannot lobby or hire lobbyists. The Ethics Commission is tasked with conducting random audits of lobbyist registration statements and disclosure reports, ensuring compliance and fostering a more accountable lobbying environment in West Virginia.

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