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Bill

HB 2465

To prohibit counties, towns and municipalities from using taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists to represent them at the State level

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Anders and 6 co-sponsors

House Bill 2465 prohibits West Virginia counties and municipalities from using taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists, promoting fiscal responsibility and transparency.

To House Local Governments
#counties #municipalities
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2465

Summary of House Bill 2465

Bill Number: HB 2465
Title: To prohibit counties, towns, and municipalities from using taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists to represent them at the state level
Status: To House Local Governments
Introduced: February 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Counties, municipalities

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2465 aims to prohibit counties, towns, and municipalities in West Virginia from utilizing taxpayer funds to hire lobbyists for representation at the state level. The bill seeks to ensure that public funds are not used for lobbying activities, which some may view as a misuse of taxpayer money.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces three new sections to the West Virginia Code, specifically addressing the prohibition of taxpayer-funded lobbying:

  1. Section 7-28-1 - County Commissions

    • Prohibits county commissions from using tax revenues to pay for lobbyist services at the state level.

  2. Section 7A-9-1 - Consolidated Local Governments

    • Prohibits governing bodies of consolidated local governments from using tax revenues for lobbyist services at the state level.

  3. Section 8-40-1 - Municipal Corporations

    • Prohibits municipalities, towns, villages, cities, and other municipal corporations from using tax revenues to hire lobbyists for state-level representation.

Affected Entities

The bill directly impacts:
- County Commissions: Local government bodies responsible for administering county services.
- Consolidated Local Governments: Entities formed by the merging of local governments to streamline operations.
- Municipal Corporations: Cities, towns, and villages that operate under their own local government structures.

By restricting the use of taxpayer dollars for lobbying, the bill aims to promote fiscal responsibility and transparency in local government spending.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: The bill was filed for introduction and referred to the Committee on Government Organization, followed by the Judiciary.
  • February 17, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and subsequently referred to the House Local Governments Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 2465 represents a significant shift in how local governments in West Virginia may engage in lobbying activities. By prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds for such purposes, the bill seeks to enhance accountability and ensure that public resources are allocated towards essential services rather than lobbying efforts. The bill is currently under consideration in the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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