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Lobby Disclosure Ranking 2003

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2003 — The Center for Public Integrity conducted a survey of lobby disclosure laws in all 50 states. The survey focused on the registration, spending reports, public access and enforcement regulations governing state lobbyists. The 48 questions used in the survey had multiple-choice answers with numerical values, with 100 possible points. Answers that promote openness, accountability and public access were assigned higher values. The resulting total score for each state is listed below, including a ranking relative to other states.

Scores of 80 and higher are considered satisfactory to excellent. Scores of 70 to 79 are considered relatively satisfactory. Scores of 60 to 69 are considered barely passing. Scores below 60 are considered failing.

Update:
The office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virignia contacted us in March 2004 to provide additional information related to the state's lobbying disclosure laws and practices. After carefully reviewing this information, the Center has revised the Virginia score, moving it into a tie for 16th place, up from 32nd place.

Read more about the Methodology. See how the federal law stacked up. Check out State Comparisons.