'Specificity' in Lobbyist Disclosures

Each year, the Virginia Ethics Council asks lobbyists to list their activities "with as much specificity as possible." Some lobbyists take those instructions to mean they should include a list of bill numbers related to legislation they sought to influence. But they are the exception, not the rule.

Percent of Clients that Disclosed at least One Bill Number

Methodology: This is an analysis of lobbyist disclosures filed on behalf of companies and groups that have lobbyist representation in Virginia. VPAP analyzed the description of activity and determined the percentage that listed at least one bill number other than the state budget.

Source: Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council