Beginning November 1, the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council assumed responsibility for all lobbyist registrations and disclosures. Created in the spring by the passage of House Bill 2070, the Council is required to review all disclosure forms filed by lobbyists, as well as state officers, employees, and legislators.

Paper and electronic versions of lobbyist registration and reporting are available through the Council’s website, however, electronic reporting will become mandatory beginning with the December 15, 2016 report.

House Bill 2070 followed an unsuccessful attempt to create the Council in 2014. In the previous instance, a battle over the state budget between the General Assembly and the governor resulted in the Council not receiving funding.