West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB4642

Introduced
2/11/22  
Refer
2/11/22  
Engrossed
3/1/22  
Refer
3/2/22  
Refer
3/2/22  
Report Pass
3/11/22  
Enrolled
3/12/22  
Passed
3/12/22  

Caption

Relating to pecuniary interests of county and district officers, teachers and school officials in contracts

Impact

The implementation of HB 4642 is expected to change the landscape of ethical conduct among county officials, teachers, and school administrators. By allowing certain exceptions, the bill could provide more flexibility for county employees but also raises red flags about potential conflicts of interest. Supporters argue that this flexibility could improve efficiency and innovation in public services, while critics argue it may lead to a compromise in ethical standards and transparency in public contracting processes.

Summary

House Bill 4642 seeks to amend existing legislation regarding the pecuniary interests of county and district officials within West Virginia. Specifically, it addresses the conditions under which such officials may have financial interests in contracts where they exercise influence or control. The bill introduces exceptions to existing laws that criminalize financial interests in public contracts, provided certain criteria are met, including the necessity for competitive bidding and recusal from decision-making roles by the concerned official.

Sentiment

The sentiment around House Bill 4642 appears to be mixed. Proponents highlight the bill as a necessary adaptation of outdated laws to meet contemporary bureaucratic needs, emphasizing an improved functional relationship between local government entities and service providers. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the bill potentially opens up avenues for favoritism and raises ethical dilemmas, fearing it may erode public trust in government operations.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB 4642 include debates about transparency and accountability in government contracts. Critics argue that the exceptions could create loopholes for unethical behavior, whereas supporters claim that implementing stringent guidelines, such as mandatory recusal and advisory approval from the West Virginia Ethics Commission, would mitigate these risks. As such, this bill has sparked considerable discussion on how best to balance public service efficiency with robust ethical oversight.

Companion Bills

WV HB4365

Similar To Relating to discontinuing operation of certain state long-term care facilities

Previously Filed As

WV HB2295

Relating to pecuniary interests of county and district officers, teachers and school officials in contracts

WV SB258

Prohibiting legislators and part-time public officials from having interest in public contracts under certain circumstances

WV HB2187

Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer

WV HB4299

Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer

WV HB2364

Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer

WV SB164

Prohibiting legislators and part-time public officials from having interest in public contracts under certain circumstances

WV SB248

Prohibiting legislators and part-time public officials from having interest in public contracts under certain circumstances

WV HB2549

Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer

WV SB609

Relating to elimination of the use of continuing contracts by school districts in employing teachers and other professionals.

WV HB154

School districts; require administrative efficiency joinder of multiple districts in county into single countywide district.

Similar Bills

WV HB2295

Relating to pecuniary interests of county and district officers, teachers and school officials in contracts

MS HB1435

Lobbying; revise definition of.

MS SB2089

Lobbying; require lobbyists with a material financial interest in an issue or bill to register with legislative officers.

MS SB2558

Registered lobbyists; require disclosure of representation of foreign adversary client.

MS SB2913

Registered lobbyists; require disclosure of representation of foreign adversary client.

MS SB2890

Registered lobbyists; require disclosure of representation of foreign adversary client.

MS HB1327

Lobbying law; require registration statement to include information about foreign adversaries and foreign principals.

MS HB600

Lobbying law; require registration statement to include information about foreign adversaries and foreign principals.