summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
03/31/2025
03/31/2025
Passed
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
Dead
Vetoed
04/30/2025
04/30/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT to amend and reenact §6B-2-1, §6B-2-2, §6B-2-12, §6B-3-1, §6B-3-2, §6B-3-4, §6B-3-5, §6B-3-7, and §6B-3-9 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to modifying certain provisions regarding governmental ethics; modifying certain Ethics Commission duties and authorities; requiring a commission member to recuse himself or herself from certain decisions under certain circumstances; modifying certain rulemaking requirements; requiring Ethics Commission develop certain electronic registration and reporting system by date certain and establishing criteria and functionality for same; requiring Ethics Commission provide certain information and resources on its website for public and lobbyist use; modifying certain lobbying registration requirements; modifying certain lobbying reporting requirements and increasing the number of required lobbying activity reports per year; and modifying the penalty provisions related to violations of statutory provisions governing lobbyists.
AI Summary
This bill modifies several provisions related to governmental ethics and lobbyist regulations in West Virginia. The bill requires the Ethics Commission to develop an electronic lobbyist registration and reporting system by December 31, 2025, which will allow lobbyists to create password-protected accounts, electronically file reports, and enable public searches of lobbyist information. The legislation increases the number of required lobbying activity reports from two to four per year, with specific filing deadlines in March, May, September, and January. The bill also clarifies and expands the Ethics Commission's powers, including the ability to subpoena witnesses, prepare guidance materials, and contract for services. Additionally, the bill modifies lobbying registration requirements, specifies restrictions on former public officials becoming lobbyists, and updates penalty provisions for violations of lobbying regulations. The changes aim to increase transparency, improve reporting mechanisms, and provide more comprehensive oversight of lobbying activities in the state government.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Vetoed by Governor 4/30/2025 (on 04/30/2025)
Official Document
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