CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Delegate Riley Moore, R-Jefferson, has introduced House Bill 4548, which will create greater transparency and oversight of lobbying activities in West Virginia’s capital city. 

West Virginia has received some of the lowest rankings in the country by independent organizations as it relates to the disclosure and reporting of lobbying activities. This bill seeks to remedy that disparity and bring the state in line with other states by requiring yearly registration by lobbyists as well as disclosing what legislation is being lobbied. 

Addressing the need for this legislation, Delegate Moore explained, “The people of West Virginia have a right to know what is going on down here. My district is over 300 miles from Charleston and my constituents should be able to know what legislation is being lobbied and by whom without having to be a card-carrying member of the Charleston insider-club. This is a good governance measure that will make all parties involved more accountable, including legislators.”

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary and will need to be approved in committee before being considered on the floor. If passed in the House, the bill would then be sent to the Senate for consideration. 

On the prospect of this legislation moving forward, Moore stated, “I hope to see this bill on the Judiciary Committee’s agenda soon, and then taken up on the floor for consideration. I believe it will have bipartisan support as it moves through the legislative process. This bill may not be the popular thing to do down here, but it is the right thing to do.”