Grass Roots

What is Grass Roots Lobbying?

        A grass roots lobbying campaign is a program addressed to the public in which a substantial portion thereof is intended primarily to influence legislation before the West Virginia Legislature. 

        Grass roots lobbying efforts are directed to the public rather than to legislators or other governmental policymakers. Only campaigns designed to influence legislation by the West Virginia Legislature are reported as part of a grass roots lobbying effort. 

        Often the campaign will rely heavily, if not exclusively, on newspaper, radio, TV, or billboard advertising. The creation and distribution of handbills, or the purchase of a single newspaper ad could, depending upon the cost, constitute a grass roots lobbying campaign.

Who must register

        Any person or organization which spends more than $1,000 in one month or more than $5,000 in a three-month period presenting a grass roots lobbying program must register. A separate registration is necessary for each new campaign.

When to register 

      Registration of a grass roots campaign must be made within 30 days of making any expenditures. 

Where and how to register

        All sponsors must register with the Ethics Commission. Grass roots registration form may be downloaded by clicking here​.  Grass roots lobbyist registration and legislative lobbyist registration require separate reporting and registration forms.  There are no fees associated with grass roots lobbying.

Reporting

        The sponsor of a grass roots lobbying campaign is required to file reports with the Ethics Commission on January 15, May 15, and September 15 of each year. Click here​​ to download the form. 

Termination of campaign 

        A final report on a GR2​​ form must be filed with the Ethics Commission when the campaign has ended.  

Please direct any questions or requests for forms to:

WV Ethics Commission
210 Brooks Street, Suite 300
Charleston WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-0664
WV toll free: 1-866-558-0664
Fax (304) 558-2169
Email: rachel.y.carpenter@wv.gov​

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