"With as Much Specificity as Possible"

Each year, lobbyists are instructed to disclose “with as much specificity as possible” the legislative and executive actions they sought to influence. However, the Virginia Ethics Council provides no definition of what that means, which leaves lobbyists free to be as specific (or as general) as they like. Lobbyists who are most specific list the bills they sought to advance or defeat, but relatively few choose to do so.

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