This bill amends section 6B-2-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to enhance transparency and accountability among public officials and employees. It requires the House and Senate Clerk to record all roll call votes in the journal for any questions related to a direct personal or pecuniary interest when more than one-third of the members present vote using a voting machine. This change aims to ensure that voting records reflect potential conflicts of interest, thereby promoting ethical standards in public service. The bill also reiterates existing ethical standards, including prohibitions against using office for personal gain, favoritism in employment, and accepting gifts that could impair impartiality.

Furthermore, the bill establishes specific guidelines for public officials regarding their participation in legislative processes and potential conflicts of interest. It allows present or former public officials to represent clients before governmental bodies while imposing restrictions on seeking employment with regulated entities. The bill mandates that members of the Legislature disclose any direct personal or pecuniary interests before voting and outlines the process for recusal in such cases. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen ethical standards and promote integrity within public service by ensuring accountability in the voting process and maintaining public trust.

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