Virginia Senate Bill SB224

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/22
• Refer: 1/10/22

Caption

Lobbying; local government actions, notice and fee to clerk of governing body.

Impact

By implementing this notice requirement, SB224 aims to create a more accountable framework within local governments. It requires lobbyists to notify the locality's clerk within 15 days of first communication, effectively ensuring that lobbying activities are documented and made accessible to the public. This requirement is designed to facilitate scrutiny of local government processes and enhance public awareness of potential influences on governmental decisions, fostering greater trust in governance.

Summary

SB224 introduces legislation requiring individuals who are compensated to lobby local government officials or employees to provide written notice of their lobbying status to the local governing body. This is intended to improve transparency in local government actions by ensuring that any attempts to influence government decisions are made publicly known. The bill specifies that lobbying includes activities such as advocating for the adoption, modification, or repeal of local ordinances and resolutions, which could also extend to local taxation and land use matters.

Contention

Opposition to SB224 may arise from concerns about the implications for lobbying activities and the administrative burden it could impose on both lobbyists and local governments. Critics may argue that the $25 fee for filing notices could deter individuals from engaging in lobbying, particularly those representing smaller organizations or grassroots efforts. Additionally, the potential classification of failing to comply with the notification requirement as a Class 1 misdemeanor could be seen as excessively punitive, raising questions about the balance between necessary regulation and freedom of speech regarding civic engagement.