--Lobbyists must complete training by Dec. 31:  Lobbyists who have not completed at least one lobbyist training course for the 2015-2016 registration period must complete a course by December 31 or face suspension of their lobbyist registration.  Lobbyists may fulfill the statutory training requirement by viewing a training video on the Ethics Commission’s website at www.ethics.wv.gov and submitting a Lobbyist Training Verification Form to the Commission.

--Sanctions issued in Complaint: The Ethics Commission issued a Final Decision and Order on November 3 in an ethics complaint initiated by the Commission against Eugene R. Thorn, a former Wildlife Biologist at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek. The Commission issued a public reprimand against Thorn and ordered him to pay a fine of $5,000 and reimbursement to the Commission in the amount of $2,362.92 for the costs of prosecuting his violations of the Ethics Act.  He also was ordered to undergo Ethics Act training before holding a public service position or public employment in the future. To view the Final Decision and Order, click here.

--Three Advisory Opinions issued:  The Ethics Commission issued two Advisory Opinions on November 3.  To view the Opinions, click here.  The Commission’s Committee on Open Governmental Meetings also issued an Advisory Opinion on Nov. 3.  To view that Opinion, click here.

 ​--Name/likeness/“trinkets” statute and Advisory Opinions:​ The 2016 Legislative changes to the Ethics Act's limitations on a public official’s or employee’s use of his/her name or likeness on items purchased with public funds went into effect on June 10, 2016.  To view a summary of the provisions, click here.    To view two Advisory Opinions which interpret the 2016 statute, click here.