Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Full - Ethics Review Board - 05/05/2025 - Agenda Ethics Review Board May 5, 2025, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm CIC Conference Room, City Hall, 300 Laporte Ave and via Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 298 749 105 116 Passcode: fV9nu9gi Remote Participation Available Upon request, the City of Fort Collins will provide language access services for individuals who have limited English proficiency, or auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities, to access City services, programs and activities. Contact 970.221.6515 (V/TDD: Dial 711 for Relay Colorado) for assistance. Please provide advance notice. Requests for interpretation at a meeting should be made by noon the day before. A solicitud, la Ciudad de Fort Collins proporcionará servicios de acceso a idiomas para personas que no dominan el idioma inglés, o ayudas y servicios auxiliares para personas con discapacidad, para que puedan acceder a los servicios, programas y actividades de la Ciudad. Para asistencia, llame al 970.221.6515 (V/TDD: Marque 711 para Relay Colorado). Por favor proporcione aviso previo cuando sea posible. Las solicitudes de interpretación en una reunión deben realizarse antes del mediodía del día anterior. A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Approval of April 7, 2025, Minutes D. Gift and Favors Restrictions • Value Restrictions • Additional Exceptions • Additional Restrictions • Definitions • Role of City Councilmembers or In Official Capacity • Comparison of City of Fort Collins rules to other cities’ rules • Comparison of State of Colorado statutes to other states’ statutes E. Other Business F. Adjournment 1 April 7, 2025, 3:30 pm ETHICS REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jeni Arndt, Councilmember Julie Pignataro, Councilmember Tricia Canonico STAFF PRESENT: Rupa Venkatesh, Sarah Kane, Briana McCarten OTHER PRESENT: Halee Wahl A. Call Meeting to Order B. Roll Call C. Elect Chairperson Councilmember Pignataro moved, seconded by Mayor Arndt, to nominate Councilmember Canonico as Chairperson of the Ethics Review Board (“ERB”). Councilmember Canonico expressed her willingness to serve as chair. The motion passed unanimously. D. Agenda Review Carrie Daggett, City Attorney, provided an overview of the topics for the ERB to consider. Daggett stated that at under Other Business at the January 21, 2025, Council meeting, several Councilmembers supported a request that the ERB meet to review the City’s requirements around the acceptance of gifts, gift disclosures, and financial disclosures and consider recommending changes. The ERB may present any recommended Code changes to Council. Canonico noted she would like to see a better definition of which social events that must be posted. Venkatesh will supply a previously-drafted memo addressing this topic. E. Approval of May 22, 2023, Minutes Councilmember Pignataro moved, seconded by Mayor Arndt, to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2023, meeting of the Ethics Review Board. The motion passed unanimously. F. Agenda Item 1: Overview – Gift Restrictions Daggett noted that the packet includes basic overview information about each of the three topics the Ethics Review Board had been asked to review. The first item presented was review of the gift restrictions for City officers and employees. She noted that the meeting packet contains gift restriction language from the State 2 Constitution as well as from other Colorado cities that have their own provisions. Pignataro commented that the ERB should consider what the issues have been with the gift restrictions. Pignataro questioned where the information on the Council Gifts and Favors FAQ came from because it isn’t from City code language. Daggett responded that the City Attorney’s Office (“CAO”) and City Manager’s Office (“CMO”) worked together to prepare the document to assist with day-to-day decisions related to accepting and reporting gifts. Assistant City Manager Rupa Venkatesh stated that Councilmembers should report any tickets to events received directly should be reported. She noted that at times donors give tickets to the City and then the City will redistribute the tickets to whoever will be representing the City at the event. When Councilmembers receive tickets from the City to attend and represent the City, those are not a “gift” and so do not need to be reported. Pignataro questioned who defines an event wherein a Councilmember is carrying out their role as a Councilmember. Arndt stated that the State’s approach is to distinguish attending to be part of the program or speaking at the event from just attending. The Board discussed different scenarios that are undefined and difficult to discern whether they are gifts that may be accepted. Daggett suggested adding provisions to City code that clarify these questions. Pignataro asked for a good way to distinguish when a Councilmember is acting as an elected official versus a member of the community attending an event. This will be discussed further by the Board. It was noted one indicator of attending on behalf of the City is wearing a City badge. G. Agenda Item 2: Overview – Gift Disclosures Daggett noted that the packet included background and comparison information about the gift disclosures requirements. Arndt expressed frustration with having to report gifts with a very small value. Pignataro suggested that a dollar limit would be helpful. Daggett stated that having parameters for gifts not significant enough to report would make reporting easier. The Board discussed instances wherein an official or employee could potentially accept gift before realizing that the gift is not acceptable. The Board discussed possibly changing the policy so that gifts received by one individual or entity are reported only once they meet a certain threshold in a certain period of time. Pignataro referenced the other municipalities’ code sections provided in the meeting packet for comparison and requested that data be provided in a table format that calls out the outliers. Daggett asked the ERB to consider the purpose and benefit of the requirement to report gifts. 3 H. Agenda Item 3: Overview – Financial Disclosures Daggett again noted the packet included background and comparison information about the financial disclosures requirement. She explained that the financial disclosures required for candidates theoretically provides voters with information to evaluate conflicts of interest a candidate or elected official may have. Mayor Arndt confirmed that currently elected officials must submit their financial interests to the State via the State’s form. Daggett stated that different municipalities have different reporting thresholds. Daggett isn’t sure how the City decided on its $10,000 threshold. Pignataro was curious how long that threshold has been in place. Information about this will be presented when this item returns to the Board’s agenda. Canonico pointed out that a $10,000 threshold from many years ago is different than that amount today. Arndt expressed an opinion that a spouse’s financial interests are only relevant when that interest is jointly shared with the reporting person. Arndt went on to say that these financial disclosures may deter a person from running for office. Arndt discussed her preference for a requirement to report only real property located in the jurisdiction in which a reporting person serves. Pignataro asked if a personal address must be included on the disclosures and suggested reporting only the district in which the reporting person lives. Daggett explained that the requirement has to do with providing the public with information to evaluate a conflict of interest when an elected official is making a decision about a certain location in the City. Arndt expressed a desire to ensure the financial disclosures for all reporters, including City Attorney and City Manager, be made publicly available in the same way. Pignataro suggested the disclosures be made available to the public upon request to the Clerk’s Office. The group discussed that the disclosures are currently intended to be posted and available on the City’s website, but the links to the disclosures on the website do not work. Daggett suggested that considering the scope of interests that must be reported will be an important part of the discussion of this item. I. Discuss Work Plan and Schedule for Future Meetings Daggett suggested the Board discuss gift restrictions at its next meeting because the policy is the foundation for other requirements and applies to all City officials and employees. Daggett suggested discussing one topic per meeting, but that each discussion may require more than one meeting. The Board discussed summer schedules and decided to schedule meetings through August. Daggett asked if the Board would expect a Council Work Session on the Board’s recommentations to be needed. The Board thought it would want to complete its work in time for recommended Code changes to be presented to Council in August. 4 Daggett noted staff will present information to the Board to assist in Board discussion of the gift restrictions recommendations at the May 5 meeting. The June meeting will finish the gift restriction discussion, if necessary, and begin the gift disclosure discussion. The July meeting should begin discussing financial disclosures. The goal is to have proposed code language ready for the Board to review once the discussion has proceeded to that point. J. Other Business None. K. Adjournment The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 4:32. Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board on May 5, 2025. 5 City Council ERB Agenda Item Summary – City of Fort Collins Page 1 of 4 Agenda Item 1 May 5, 2025 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY City Council – Ethics Review Board Jenny Lopez Filkins, Senior Deputy City Attorney SUBJECT he City’s current restrictions , City officers and City employees. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY review the City’s current restrictions on acceptance of gifts, honoraria and s and discuss potential changes to such City Code §2-576(b) contains the restrictions. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Not applicable. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Under “other business” at its January 21, 2025, City Council meeting, several members of the Council City Council asked the Ethics Review Board (ERB) to review the City’s requirements related to the acceptance of gifts, gift disclosures, and financial disclosures and consider recommended changes. At its April 7, 2025, meeting, the ERB decided to review the rules related to acceptance of gifts and determine whether to make any recommended changes at its next meeting. A copy of §2-576(b) is marked as Exhibit A, attached for reference. Topics for discussion include: • Whether a value restriction should be added to the Code; and • If so, what value restriction? This will include a review of other entities’ value restrictions; and • Whether to continue to prohibit gifts of any value or include only a threshold amount; and • Whether to modify exceptions or restrictions to gift rules; and • Whether to add a definition of gift to the Code that excludes gifts to the City; and • Whether to add a provision that clarifies when a Councilmember is acting in their role as a City Councilmember when attending an event. The focus of this discussion is on gifts to City Councilmembers. When proposed Code changes are presented to City Council, changes related to City employees will be included. Value Restrictions City Code §2-576(b) does not include a value restriction and ERB members expressed interest in considering other entities’ restrictions. A comparison list of the state of Colorado and Colorado municipalities’ value restrictions is marked as Exhibit B, attached for reference. 6 City Council ERB Agenda Item Summary – City of Fort Collins Page 2 of 4 Values vary from no restrictions stated to an undefined statement of nothing more than “substantial value.” Several municipalities have $50 to $100 value restrictions. Several municipalities’ code provisions refer to the dollar amount established in the Colorado Constitution. Specific code provisions for each entity are included in Exhibit B. These other municipalities include Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Colorado Springs, Denver, Golden, Lafayette, Lakewood, Littleton, Louisville, Northglenn, Pueblo, and Thornton. A comparison list of other states’ gift restrictions is marked as Exhibit C, attached for refence. Specific provisions for each state listed are included in Exhibit C. The other state examples include California, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, Maryland, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Oregon. A few municipalities allow donations of meals and tickets to events for which admission is charged from one donor in any calendar year that does not exceed $150 to $300 if certain conditions are met. Colorado Springs and other municipalities include conditions on acceptance of payment for reasonable costs (fees, meals, lodging, and/or transportation) and frequency of conferences, seminars, events or meetings, if certain conditions are met. No dollar amount or definition of “reasonable cost” is included. The Colorado Springs conditions include: • The person is scheduled to deliver a speech, participate in a presentation, participate on a panel, or receive an award; • The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid pursuant to a vendor agreement or contract; or • The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid by a governmental entity or an IRC 501(c)(3) organization. City of Aurora conditions on acceptance of donations of meals, tickets to events for which admission is charged, or free or reduced-price admission to events for which a fee is charged are: • The value of any meals, tickets or reduced-price admissions accepted from the same donor in any calendar year must not exceed $300 and must be reported. • A donation from an employee of a business or entity must be counted as a gift from the business or entity. • The individuals or entity which pays for the meal, ticket or admission must be considered the donor for purposes of this rule, regardless of whether that individual or entity is reimbursed for the cost; and • Attendance must be reasonably related to the official or ceremonial duties of the elected official. Another topic for discussion is whether to continue to impose an outright prohibition on acceptance of all gifts that might be construed as compensation for an official decision or would tend to impair independence of judgment in official duties, regardless of the dollar amount. Some Colorado municipalities do not have similar language and only prohibit gifts above a certain amount. These include Arvada, Broomfield, Lafayette, Littleton, Louisville, Pueblo and Thornton. This would eliminate the need for officers and employees to first decide whether they can accept a gift at all. On the other hand, there may be some benefit in having a clear statement that accepting a gift from a donor who is the subject of a decision pending before the Council, it should be avoided or prohibited. Additional Exceptions The City of Colorado Springs gift restrictions provisions are a helpful starting point for discussion. A copy of the Colorado Springs provisions is marked as Exhibit D, attached for reference. Colorado Springs exceptions to gift restrictions include the following, which are not in City Code §2-576(b): • Any scholarship or grant or other financial aid for education given to any covered person or 7 City Council ERB Agenda Item Summary – City of Fort Collins Page 3 of 4 immediate family member for any reason. • Any charity event benefiting the City and any of its affiliated organizations. • Any gift solicitation for a charitable purpose as determined to be appropriate by the City or its affiliated organization. • Any gift, whether solicited or not, to benefit a public safety or community purpose. • Awards or prizes given at competitions or drawings at events open to the public. • Reasonable cost and frequency of City sponsored educational events, so long as the events are documented. • Reasonable cost and frequency of business meals for covered persons, so long as the meals are documented. • Perishable or consumable gifts given to a City department or group. • Gifts accepted in a covered person's official capacity that will become property of the City. • For elected officials and their immediate family members, reasonable cost and frequency of meals and event tickets pertaining to their official duties as Mayor or members of City Council so long as the gift is documented and is not intended, and does not affect, a direct official action. Additional Restrictions Some other Colorado municipalities’ gift restrictions include restrictions, which are not included in the City’s: • Thing of value without compensation or compensation for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceeding fair market value. • Loan of goods not available to public. • Loan of money at rate not available to public or forbearance of debt owed. Definition of Gift that Excludes Gifts to the City A definition of gift could be added to City Code to clarify that gifts to the City are not gifts to elected officials or employees. The definition of a gift to the City would be tickets to events, gift baskets, food or perishable items from third parties given to the City if: • Gift is sent or delivered to City Manager’s office rather than an individual; and • The City Manager’s Office has sole authority to distribute gift for general City use by any City officer or employee; and • If the item is a ticket, the item is provided to the officer or employee so that they can attend and carry out their role as a Councilmember or employee on behalf of the City; and • The gift is unsolicited; and • The gift is not provided by an entity that receives City funding authorized by City Council, in the case of Councilmembers, or authorized by City staff, in the case of employees. Acting in Role of City Councilmembers or In Official Capacity If the updated Code provisions call for guidance about what it means to act in the role of a Councilmember or in their official capacity on behalf of the City or the Council, Code language could be added to clarify, such as: • If a Councilmember wears their City of Fort Collins name tag identifying them as a Councilmember and • They speak or present to the gathering at the event; or • They are receiving a non-pecuniary award from a non-profit during the event in recognition of their work as a Councilmember; • They have been asked by the City Manager’s Office to attend the event. The City implemented its gift restriction code in 1989. In 2000, an exception to allow reported campaign contribution was added, and the substantive language has otherwise not changed since 1989. 8 City Council ERB Agenda Item Summary – City of Fort Collins Page 4 of 4 The City’s Council Gifts and Favors FAQ flowchart is attached for reference. CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS Not applicable. BOARD / COMMISSION / COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Not applicable. PUBLIC OUTREACH Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS 1. City Code section 2-576(b) 2. Comparison list of other Colorado cities’ codes and corresponding code sections 3. Comparison list of other states’ statutes and corresponding statutes. 4. Copy of the City of Colorado Springs gift restrictions 5. Copy of the PowerPoint presentation 6. Council Gifts and Favors FAQ 9 CHAPTER 2 - ADMINISTRATION ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES DIVISION 2 Ethical Rules of Conduct: Related Procedures Created: 2025-03-24 09:10:26 [EST] (Supp. No. 149) Page 1 of 1 Division 2 Ethical Rules of Conduct: Related Procedures Sec. 2-576. Ethical rules of conduct—Officers and employees. (b) All officers and employees shall refrain from accepting payment for any speeches, debates or other public events and shall further refrain from accepting any gift or favor which, in the judgment of a reasonably prudent person, would tend to impair the officer's or employee's independence of judgment in the performance of his or her official duties. The following shall not constitute prohibited gifts or favors under this Section: (1) Campaign contributions reported as required by Chapter 7, Article V of this Code; (2) A nonpecuniary award publicly presented by a nonprofit organization in recognition of public service; (3) Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for travel and subsistence for attendance at a convention or other meeting at which an officer or employee is scheduled to participate; (4) Reimbursement for or acceptance of an opportunity to participate in a social function or meeting which is offered to an officer or employee which is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by such officer or employee; (5) Items of perishable or nonpermanent value that are insignificant in value, including, but not limited to, meals, lodging, travel expenses or tickets to sporting, recreational, educational or cultural events; and (6) Payment of salary from employment, including other employment in addition to that earned from being an officer or employee. (c) No officer or employee shall request on his or her own behalf, or for or through a relative or related entity, from any other officer or employee, or grant to any other officer or employee, or relative or related entity of the same, any consideration, treatment or advantage in the interpretation, administration or enforcement of the Charter, Code, any City regulation, policy or program or in the provision of public services, that is substantially different from that available to other persons in the same circumstances or having the same need. (Ord. No. 112, 1989, § 1, 8-1-89; Ord. No. 162, 2000, § 2, 11-21-00; Ord. No. 109, 2002, §§ 1—4, 8-20-02; Ord. No. 145, 2014, 11-4-14; Ord. No. 159, 2014, §§ 1—3, 11- 18-14; Ord. No. 037, 2017, §§ 2, 3, 3-7-17; Ord. No. 167, 2017, § 2, 12-19-17; Ord. No. 057, 2020, § 2, 4-21-20; Ord. No. 072, 2021, §§ 2, 3, 7-20-21; Ord. No. 120, 2023, § 3, 9-19-23) 10 STATE OF COLORADO – Does not apply to home rule municipalities Value restrictions: $50, adjusted for inflation every four years May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Item of trivial value defined as less than $50. • Award of appreciation. • Admission to, including meals, if scheduled to speak. • Reasonable expenses paid by non-profit or other government to convention or meeting is scheduled to give presentation. • Gifts appropriate to occasion. • Informational materials or subscriptions if related to official duties. • Compensation for employment. ARVADA Value restriction: substantial value or economic benefit tantamount to a gift of substantial value May not accept: • Loan with a lower interest rate than available to the general public. AURORA Value restriction: $300 from same donor in calendar year May not accept: • Thing of value without compensation; honoraria or payment for event participation. • Loan of goods not available to general public. • Loan of money at rate not available to general public. • Ticket to event. • Travel expenses and lodging. • Discount that is not available to general public. • Meal except those specifically allowed below. May accept even if official may take direct action with regard to the donor: • Gifts from other elected officials on special occasions. • Campaign contributions. • Non-pecuniary awards publicly presented if award is not extraordinary. • Meals, tickets to events for which admission is charged, reduced admission to events subject to value restriction above. o Attendance must be related to official duties. o Value restriction does not apply to:  a meal provided to attendees at a public meeting and is consumed at the meeting.  a meal provided to all members of a governmental board and is consumed at the meeting.  admission to a charitable event. • Items of trivial value defined as under $300, not including cash or gift cards. • Gifts from other cities, counties, states, or countries in which refusal would breach protocol. 11 • Expenses paid by non-profit or governments for attendance at a meeting in which the person is scheduled to speak or give a presentation or represent the City in an official capacity. • Gifts appropriate to an occasion. • Membership to city recreational and cultural facilities. • Gifts from family members. • Items available to general public under same terms. • Family members may accept gifts if the elected official doesn’t use the gift. BOULDER Value restriction: Amount established by State of Colorado above May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Non-pecuniary gift subject to value restriction above. • Gift from a relative. • Award in recognition of public service. • Reasonable travel expenses paid by non-profit or other government to convention or meeting is scheduled to give presentation if travel is appropriate and for a legitimate city purpose. • Items available to general public under same terms. • Single ticket valued less than $150 only if: representing the city, ticket has no resale value, or offered by a commercial vendor. • Single ticket valued less than $150 in each calendar year to a sporting or cultural event if the event is sponsored by a governmental entity or non-profit and purpose is to promote relationship. BROOMFIELD Value restriction: substantial value May not accept: • Loan with a lower interest rate than available to the general public. • Compensation for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceed the fair market value. May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Non-pecuniary gift of insignificant value. • Award of appreciation. • Informational materials or subscriptions if related to official duties. • Reimbursement for participation in social function if reimbursement is not extraordinary. • Gift from a relative. • Items of perishable or nonpermanent value, including meals, lodging, travel, tickets to sporting, recreational, or cultural events. • Payment for a speech or appearance. • Salary of employment. 12 COLORADO SPRINGS Value restriction: Established by State of Colorado above May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Family member may accept a ticket to an event if attending with the elected official. • Award of appreciation. • Compensation for employment. • Financial aid, including scholarships and grants, for education to elected official or immediate family member. • Charity event benefiting the city. • Gift to benefit a public safety or community purpose. • Prizes given at events open to the public. • Reasonable cost, including fees, meals, lodging, transportation, for conference or meeting in which the person is scheduled to speak, give a presentation, or accept an award. • City sponsored education events. • Business meals. • Perishable or consumable gifts for city department. • Discounts available to the public generally. DENVER Value restriction: $300 per donor per calendar year May not accept: • Thing of value without compensation. • Honoraria or payment for participation in an event. • Loan with a lower interest rate than available to the general public. • Ticket to a sporting, recreational, or cultural event. o Ticket must be offered by the event and not a vendor. • Travel expenses and lodging. • Discount that is not available to city officers, officials, and employees on the same terms. • Parking passes. • Meals. May accept even if official may take direct action with regard to the donor, applies to family members • Gifts appropriate to an occasion. • Campaign contributions. • Award in recognition of public service. • Meals subject to value restriction above. o Must be reasonably related to official duties. o Value restriction does not apply to a meal provided to attendees at a public meeting and is consumed at the meeting. • Tickets to events or reduced price admissions. o Value restriction does not apply to charitable events provided by the non- profit or government hosing the event and not by a sponsor of the event. 13 • Items of trivial value defined as less than $25. • Gifts from other cities, counties, states, or countries in which refusal would breach protocol. • Reasonable expenses paid by non-profit or other government to convention or meeting is scheduled to give presentation. • Gifts to commemorate a public event. • Memberships to Denver-specific venues. • Gifts from family members. • Items available to general public on same terms. • Family members may accept gifts if the elected official of employee does not use the gift. GOLDEN Value restriction: $100 May not accept: • Loan with a lower interest rate than available to the general public. • Compensation for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceed the fair market value. May accept: • Food at conferences, training sessions, meetings, or other instances in conjunction with city business. • Campaign contributions. • Award in recognition of public service. • Gifts from family members. • Financial aid, including scholarships and grants, for education to elected official or immediate family member. • Any gift to the member of city council from a person meeting all of the following criteria: o Such person does not reside in the City of Golden. o Such person does not own real property in the City of Golden. o Such person does not conduct business in the City of Golden, or with the City of Golden. o Such person has no personal or financial interest substantially affected or influenced by the Golden City Council or the City of Golden. o Such person is not associated with, employed by, or otherwise acting on behalf of a person who does not meet all of the above criteria. LAFAYETTE Value restriction: $100 May accept: • Food at conferences, training sessions, meetings, or other instances in conjunction with city business. • Admissions to conferences, cultural events, award ceremonies, or conventions related to city business. • Campaign contributions. 14 LAKEWOOD Value restriction: $100 May not accept: • Trips outside the jurisdiction not related to city business. • Tickets to an event outside the jurisdiction not related to city business. May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Non-pecuniary gift not exceeding value restriction. • Award of appreciation. • Informational materials or subscriptions if related to official duties. • Payment or reimbursement for meals, lodging, travel, and admission at a convention or meeting at which the person is scheduled to participate. • Gifts available to the general public. • Gifts given to the city that may be used by an elected official but that doesn’t become their property. • Scholarships, fellowships, and grants, for education to elected official or immediate family member. • Gifts fundraised by community at large when an elected official’s family member has special medical or financial needs resulting from an accident, medical condition, or other extraordinary event; or upon retirement. • Occasional opportunity to participate in a social function where a meal or entertainment is provided if the elected official’s attendance is not extraordinary. • Gifts from relatives. • Gifts from friend for appropriate occasions. • Ticket to sporting, recreational, or cultural event related to city business. • Payment for speech or appearance. • Salary from employment. • Inter-office gift exchange. LITTLETON Value restriction: substantial value or economic benefit tantamount to a gift of substantial value May not accept: • Loan of money at rate not available to general public. • Compensation for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceed the fair market value. May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Non-pecuniary gift that is insignificant in value. • Award in recognition of public service. • Payment or reimbursement for meals, lodging, travel, and admission at a convention or meeting at which the person is scheduled to participate. • Occasional opportunity to participate in a social function where a meal or entertainment is provided if the elected official’s attendance is not extraordinary. 15 • Payment for speech or appearance. • Salary from employment. • Use of city facilities or equipment by elected official or employee to communicate with a constituent, family member, or business associate. LOUISVILLE Value restriction: $15 for non-pecuniary gifts related to a contract May accept: • Award in recognition of public service. LOVELAND Value restriction: $50 May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Award in recognition of public service. • Gifts available to the general public. • Scholarships and grants available to the general public. • Grants and services for medical or social welfare needs available to the general public. • Informational materials or subscriptions if related to official duties. • Registration, travel, lodging, and meals at conferences, training sessions, meetings, in which the elected official is scheduled to participate. • Occasional opportunity to participate in a social function where a meal or entertainment is provided if the elected official’s attendance is not extraordinary. • Payment for speech or appearance. • Gifts related to employment. • Gift received by employee from city as authorized by personnel rules. NORTHGLENN Value restriction: $50 Official and family member may accept even if official may take direct action with regard to the donor: • Gifts appropriate to occasion. • Campaign contributions. • Awards in recognition of public service. • Scholarship and grants available to general public. • Grants and services for medical or social welfare needs available to the general public. • Informational materials or subscriptions if related to official duties. • Items of perishable or nonpermanent value, including meals, lodging, travel, tickets to sporting, recreational, or cultural events (items with value exceeding $100 must be reported at a Council meeting within 30 days). • Award of appreciation. 16 • Registration, travel, lodging, and meals at conferences, training sessions, meetings, in which the elected official is scheduled to participate (items with value exceeding $100 must be reported at a Council meeting within 30 days). • Occasional opportunity to participate in a social function where a meal or entertainment is provided if the elected official’s attendance is not extraordinary (items with value exceeding $100 must be reported at a Council meeting within 30 days). • Gifts related to employment. PUEBLO Value restriction: substantial value or economic benefit tantamount to a gift of substantial value May not accept: • Loan of money at rate not available to general public. • Compensation for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceed the fair market value. May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Non-pecuniary gift insignificant in value. • Award in recognition of public service. • Payment or reimbursement for reasonable expenses for travel and subsistence at a convention or meeting at which the person is scheduled to participate. • Items of perishable or nonpermanent value, including meals, lodging, travel, tickets to sporting, recreational, or cultural events. • Payment for a speech or appearance. • Compensation for employment. THORNTON Value restriction: $75 May accept: • Campaign contributions. • Award in recognition of public service. • Payment or reimbursement for reasonable expenses for travel and subsistence at a convention or meeting at which the person is scheduled to participate. • Occasional opportunity to participate in a social function where a meal or entertainment is provided if the elected official’s attendance is not extraordinary. • Salary from employment. • Items free for general public at public exhibitions. • Discounted items offered to officers, board members, and employees of governments. WESTMINSTER Value restriction: substantial value or substantial economic benefit 17 18               !             !  " ##$#%&"'  (  ! %%%% % %)*+,- ,-%'.                                                                        !                            "             #       $%&                                                                  '(      !        ) *      +  *       $%&     #     + *   #         #     + ,              "      + *               -        #         + 19                .  /       -                      #                    -   %0       -  + 1                 *                  2        /                          #                            "     #    #                                                 "           +                                              %(   #                                3( $%&    !    4           ,5        /  67 1        /     (4      !&   * 8  9!&&3        6 '!&&3   6 ' : . 5 * :  * !;<':=:=5(* !;<' :     %!&!2    >!&!%(  .       , 5 1 ? # 20 CITY OF ARVADA Sec. 2-375. Restrictions on conduct. Commission of the following acts is prohibited by this Code and a determination that an officer has committed one or more of the following shall subject the officer to such penalty as is provided herein in accordance with the provisions of this Code. (1) An officer shall not knowingly disclose information which he knows or reasonably should know is confidential information regardless of the source of the information unless directed to by the city council or compelled to by operation of law. (2) An officer shall not knowingly use or disclose any information gained in the course of or by reason of his official position and which has not been made public to advance his financial interests or to further the financial interests of any family member. (3) An officer shall not perform a governmental function, participate in the discussion of, or influence or attempt to influence any officer or employee, or otherwise participate in any final action, or vote to render any final decision or determination on any matter in relation to which the officer with this provision if by reason of his participation in the enactment of any ordinance, resolution or other matter required to be voted upon, no pecuniary gain accrues to him or his family by virtue of any private or personal financial interest to any greater extent than could reasonably be expected to accrue to any other member of the general public. An officer shall not be in violation of this provision if the officer receives a personal financial benefit from the city in the course of or which is incidental to the exercise of his official duties or such benefit is authorized by the city council. This provision shall not be interpreted to prevent or hinder an official from conducting business as a private citizen with the city in the course of engaging in an occupation, profession or business provided the official does not violate subsection (12) of this section. (4) An officer shall not accept a gift of substantial value or economic benefit tantamount to a gift of substantial value: a. Which would tend to influence a reasonable person in his position to depart from the faithful and impartial discharge of his public duties; or b. Which he knows or which a reasonable person in his position should know under the circumstances is primarily for the purpose of rewarding him for official action he has taken. (5) An economic benefit tantamount to a gift includes without limitation a loan at a rate of interest substantially lower than the commercial rate then currently prevalent for similar loans and compensation received for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceeding the fair market value of such services. 21 (6) The following shall not be considered gifts of substantial value or gifts of economic benefit for purposes of this section and it shall not be a violation of this Code for a person to accept the same: a. Campaign contributions required to be reported by C.R.S. § 1-45-108; b. An occasional nonpecuniary gift, insubstantial in value; c. A nonpecuniary award publicly presented by a nonprofit organization in recognition of public service; d. Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for travel and subsistence for attendance at a convention or other meeting at which such public officer, is scheduled to participate; e. Reimbursement for or acceptance of an opportunity to participate in a social function or meeting which is offered to such public officer, which is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by such public officer; f. A gift of nominal value presented to the officer by either the city or another government, domestic or foreign, in recognition or appreciation of public service or an expression of friendship; g. Items of a nominal value or a perishable or nonpermanent nature, including, but not limited to, meals, lodging, travel expenses, or tickets to sporting, recreational, educational, or cultural events; h. Payment for speeches, debates or other public events, reported as honorariums; i. Payment of salary from employment, including other government employment, in addition to that earned from being an officer of the city; j. Anything or compensation or the like approved by the city council unless the same violates a state law. (7) No officer on behalf of any private interest other than himself, a spouse or minor children or a business in which he has a financial interest shall appear before any board. An officer may appear before council or any board on behalf of the electorate in the course of his duties as a representative of the electorate or in the performance of public or civic duties. (8) No officer shall communicate information concerning a matter subject to or pending litigation in which the city is a party, which could reasonably be interpreted as an admission of liability on behalf of the city or which a reasonable person would interpret as being prejudicial to the interests of the city in the subject matter without prior authorization of the city council unless completed by legal authority. (9) An officer shall not knowingly use any city property or services for personal gain or profit except when such property or services are available to the general public or authorized in the furtherance of official business. No officer shall be deemed to have violated this section if their use of city property is 22 incidental to the performance of their official business. An officer in compliance with C.R.S. § 24-18-109(4)(a) and (b) shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section. The city council may approve polices and procedures concerning the use of city services and resources in accordance with C.R.S. § 1-45-116. (10) When a governmental function requires an officer to act in a quasi-judicial capacity, the officer shall take reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent ex- parte communication with any party in interest or with their representative. Any officer may seek an advisory opinion from the city attorney concerning any ex parte communication received pertaining to a matter the subject of which is or may become the subject of a quasi-judicial proceeding in which the officer may perform a governmental function. If an officer receives ex parte communications regarding a matter which is before the officer for quasi-judicial action, the officer shall disclose the communication prior to the commencement of the hearing. After disclosure, the officer may participate in the hearing and vote on any action unless the officer concludes that the communication may prevent him from participating and voting thereon in an unbiased manner. If the officer concludes that the ex parte communication may prevent him from voting in an unbiased manner, he shall excuse himself and shall not participate in the discussion or vote on said matter. (11) An officer shall not vote on any question concerning the officer's own conduct where the board is making a determination regarding the officer under article III, chapter 2. (12) An officer shall not use his official position or secure a special privilege or exemption for himself or others, nor shall any officer seek or grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen beyond that which is generally available to every other citizen regardless of the involvement of the officer. This provision shall not be interpreted to present or hinder an officer from presenting citizen concerns to the appropriate administrative official and requesting a response to the citizen concern. (13) An officer who in the course of his business desires to enter into a contract with the city shall disclose such contract to the city manager and, if the contract requires approval of the city council, to the city council prior to entering into the contract with the city. Provided the officer's interest is disclosed and the city's purchasing ordinance has been followed and the contract is in the best interests of the city, the officer and city may consummate the contract, and the same shall be deemed to comply with this Code. The officer shall not vote on any contract in which he has a financial interest and shall not attempt to influence the city council or city manager in the process of awarding the contract. (Code 1981, § 2-55; Ord. No. 3088, § 2, 6-27-1994) 23 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS § 2-7-62 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. (A) No City official or employee shall transact any business in his official capacity with any entity in which he has a substantial interest. (B) No City official or employee shall formally appear before the body of which the official or employee is a member while acting as an advocate for himself or any other person, group, or entity. (C) No salaried City official or employee shall represent, for compensation, any other person, group or entity before any department, commission, board or committee of the City. (D) No salaried City official or employee shall represent, directly or indirectly, any other person, group or entity in any action or proceeding against the interests of the City, or in any litigation in which the City or any department, commission, or board or committee thereof is a party; provided, however, that nothing herein shall limit the authority of the city attorney and his staff to represent the City, its boards, commissions, committees and officers and particularly the Human Rights Commission in the discharge of their duties, including equal employment opportunity cases. (E) No salaried City official or employee shall represent, directly or indirectly, any person, group or entity in any action or proceeding in the municipal courts of the City which was instituted by a City official or employee in the course of official duties. (F) No City official shall represent any person, group or entity in any action or proceeding in the municipal courts of the City which was instituted by or arising from a decision of a board, commission, committee, task force or other body on which the official serves. (G) (1) General Rule. No City official or employee shall accept or solicit the following: (a) Any gift or favor, that might reasonably tend to improperly influence that individual in the discharge of official duties or that the official or employee knows or should know has been offered with the intent to improperly influence or improperly reward official conduct; or (b) Any gift or favor of which the known or apparent value exceeds $50 or any gift of cash or a negotiable instrument. (2) Special Applications. The general rule does not apply to the following: (a) Attendance to a convention, conference, symposium, training program or similar event, provided there is a City-related business purpose for the official or employee to attend or participate in an official capacity, and the attendance or participation is appropriate for the performance of that individual's official duties. 24 (b) Admission to an event or discounted admission, if there is a City-related business purpose for the official or employee to attend or participate in an official capacity, and the attendance or participation is appropriate for the performance of that individual's official duties. (c) A voluntary gift or favor given by a City official or employee to another City official or employee, including food and drink to be shared among employees; except a supervisor may not accept a gift or favor from an employee under the supervisor's supervision unless the gift is given voluntarily by the employee on an occasion of personal significance, or at a time when gifts are traditionally given or exchanged, and the value of the gift is fairly appropriate for the occasion. (H) (1) No City official or employee shall solicit or accept other employment to be performed or compensation to be received while still a City official or employee, if the employment or compensation could reasonably be expected to impair independence in judgment or performance of City duties. (2) If a City official or employee accepts or is soliciting a promise of future employment from any person or entity who has a substantial interest in a person, entity or property which would be affected by any decision upon which the official or employee might reasonably be expected to act, investigate, advise, or make a recommendation, the official or employee shall disclose that fact to the board or commission on which he serves or to his supervisor and shall take no further action on matters regarding the potential future employer. (I) A salaried City official or employee may not use the official's or the employee's official position to secure a special privilege or exemption for the official or the employee, to secure a special privilege or exemption for another person, to harm another person, or to secure confidential information for a purpose other than official responsibilities. (J) No City official or employee shall use City facilities, personnel, equipment or supplies for private purposes, except to the extent such are lawfully available to the public, or to the extent that facilities, equipment or supplies are allowed to be used in a limited or de minimis manner in accordance with City policy. (K) No City official or employee shall accept remuneration, directly or indirectly, for campaign work relating to an item placed on the ballot if that individual served on the body which exercised discretionary authority in the development of the ballot item and participated in the discussion or voted on the item. (L) No salaried City official and certain City employees to include the mayor, councilmembers, the city manager, assistant city managers, the city clerk, deputy city clerks, council aides, municipal court clerk, deputy municipal court clerks, municipal judges (including substitute judges), the city auditor, assistants to the city auditor, the city attorney, deputy city attorneys, assistant city attorneys, purchasing agents and those employees with the authority to purchase or contract for the City, all department heads, deputy department heads, and the spouse of each of the above, shall solicit nor propose on a contract, enter into a contract or receive any 25 pecuniary benefit from any contract with the City. This prohibition does not include any employment contract which may be authorized for the official, a contract of sale for real property or a contract for services which are available to all citizens. (M) For a period of two years after leaving office, a former mayor or councilmember may not solicit or propose on a contract with the City or enter into a contract with the City for the sale to the City of any goods or services other than real estate. This subsection does not apply to a former mayor or councilmember who had a business relationship with the City in the six months immediately preceding taking the office of mayor or councilmember if the solicitation or proposal is on behalf of the same business. (N) For a period of two years after leaving office, a former mayor or councilmember, members of their family, or anyone acting on their behalf, may not sell or lease any real estate to the City unless the city council has designated the property for acquisition and would otherwise have to acquire the property through its power of eminent domain. (O) A City official or employee may not engage in fraud or abuse, as defined in City Code Chapter 2-3 (City Auditor). Source: 1992 Code Section 2-3-62; Ord. 031204-9; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 20110428- 047; Ord. No. 20170209-005, Pts. 17, 18, 2-20-17; Ord. No. 20181213-014, Pt. 2, 12- 24-18. 26 CITY OF BOULDER 2-7-4. Gifts to Public Officials and Public Employees. (a) Gifts Prohibited: No public official or public employee or relative of such employee or official shall accept anything of value including, without limitation, a gift, a favor, a discount or a promise of future employment if: (1) The official or employee is in a position to take official action with regard to the donor; or (2) The city has or is known to be likely to have a transactional, business, or regulatory relationship with the donor. (b) Exceptions and Items not Considered Gifts: The following shall not be considered gifts for purposes of this section, and it shall not be a violation of this chapter for a person to accept the same: (1) Campaign contributions as permitted by law; (2) An unsolicited, occasional non-pecuniary gift of a maximum amount of $53 or less in value. The maximum amount will be equal to the amount established by the state of Colorado pursuant to Colorado Constitution Article XXIX, Section 6; (3) A gift from a relative; (4) An award, publicly presented, in recognition of public service; (5) Reasonable expenses for attendance at a convention, fact-finding mission or trip, or other meeting if the person is scheduled to deliver a speech, make a presentation, participate in a panel, or represent the city provided that if travel expenses are paid: (A) The travel is for a legitimate city purpose; (B) The travel arrangements are appropriate to that purpose; (C) The expenses paid are for a time period that is no longer than reasonably necessary to accomplish the business that is its purpose; (D) The public official or public employee who will be traveling is not currently, was not in the recent past, and will not in the reasonably foreseeable future, be in a position to take direct official action with respect to the donor; (E) Prior to travelling, the public official informs the city council or the employee informs the city manager of the name of the party paying for the travel expenses and the reason for the travel; and (F) After completing the travel, the public official reports compliance of the first four conditions to the city council and the public employee reports compliance with the first four conditions to the city manager. 27 (6) Items which are similarly available to all employees of the city or to the general public on the same terms and conditions; and (7) A single unsolicited ticket given to a city council member and valued at not in excess of $150 to attend events on behalf of the city, such as awards dinners, nonprofit organization banquets and seminars, provided that: (A) The ticket is offered only to the council member and has no resale value; and (B) The ticket is not offered by a commercial vendor who sells or wishes to sell services or products to the city. (8) A single unsolicited ticket given to a council member and valued at not in excess of $150 in each calendar year to attend a sporting event, concert or other event provided by a governmental entity or nonprofit organization, if the event is sponsored by the governmental entity or nonprofit organization, and the purpose of attending the event is to promote the relationship between the city and the other governmental entity or nonprofit organization. Ordinance No. 7957 (2014) 28 CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD 2-70-040 Ban on use of official position for private gain. (A) No elected official or appointee shall use his or her official position for private gain or for the private gain of any person with whom the elected official or appointee has a business relationship, or otherwise engage in any activity that creates an appearance of impropriety. (B) A city official or appointee shall not disclose or use confidential information acquired in the course of his or her official duties in order to further substantially his or her personal financial interests. (C) A city official or appointee shall not accept a gift of substantial value that would tend to influence a reasonable person to depart from the faithful and impartial discharge of his or her duties or that a reasonable person in his or her position should know under the circumstances is primarily for the purposes of rewarding him or her for official action he or she has taken or may take. A gift of substantial value also includes any action that conveys a substantial economic benefit. (D) A gift of substantial value shall include, without limitation, a loan at a rate of interest that is substantially lower than the commercial rate then currently prevalent for similar loans, and compensation received for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceeding the fair market value of such services. (E) A gift of substantial value shall not include: (1) Campaign contributions and contributions in kind reported as required by section 1-45-108, C.R.S.; (2) An unsolicited, occasional nonpecuniary gift that is insignificant in value; (3) An unsolicited token or award of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item; (4) Unsolicited informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipients' performance of official duties; (5) Payment of, or reimbursement for, admission for attendance at a convention or other meeting at which the city officer, employee, or consultant is scheduled to participate; (6) Reimbursement for or acceptance of an opportunity to participate in a social function or meeting where such reimbursement is not extraordinary in light of the position held by the participating city officer, employee or consultant; (7) Anything given by an individual who is a relative or personal friend of the recipient; (8) Items of perishable or nonpermanent value, including but not limited to meals, lodging, travel expenses, or tickets to sporting, recreational, or cultural events; (9) Payment for a speech, appearance, or publication reported pursuant to section 24-6-203, C.R.S.; and 29 (10) Payment of salary from employment, including other government employment, in addition to that earned from being a member of the city council or by reason of service in other public office. (F) The provisions of this section are distinct from and in addition to the reporting requirements of section 1-45-108, C.R.S., and section 24-6-203, C.R.S., and do not relieve an incumbent in, or elected candidate to, the city council from reporting an item described in subsection (E) above if such reporting provisions apply. (Ord. 1584 §1, 2001; Ord. 1857 §1, 2007) 30 CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS 1.3.111: GIFTS: A. Hospitality And Gifts: No covered person or immediate family member shall solicit, accept, or give any gift related to the covered person's duties and responsibilities on behalf of the City. B. Exceptions: Providing that the gift could not be reasonably considered a bribe or a means of improper influence on a direct official action, no violation of this Code of Ethics shall be found to apply to the following: 1. A campaign contribution as defined by law. 2. An unsolicited item or items of value less than the dollar amount established and adjusted in Colorado Constitution, article XXIX, section 3, per vendor or third party per year. As of January 1, 2017, that amount is fifty nine dollars ($59.00). a. The cost of the gift is the retail value of the item unless the receiver has knowledge that the giver paid more than the retail value, in which case the cost is the amount actually paid. b. For a charity event, the cost of the event is the amount the event organizer reports to the Internal Revenue Service as the non-deductible portion of the event. c. It is not permissible to pay part of the cost of a gift that is offered with a value exceeding the amount set forth in subsection B2 of this section to reduce the value to less than the amount set forth in subsection B2 of this section and then accept the gift. d. Immediate family members of covered persons, except those of elected officials, may only accept a free or discounted event ticket if they attend the event with a covered person. Event tickets for elected officials are covered under subsection B15 of this section. 3. An unsolicited token or award of appreciation that is reasonable in value and purpose, such as plaques and professional awards. 4. A component of compensation paid or other recognition given in the normal course of employment, appointment, volunteer services, or business. 5. Any scholarship or grant or other financial aid for education given to any covered person or immediate family member for any reason. 6. Any charity event benefiting the City and any of its affiliated organizations. 7. Any gift solicitation for a charitable purpose as determined to be appropriate by the City or its affiliated organization. 8. Any gift, whether solicited or not, to benefit a public safety or community purpose. 31 9. Awards or prizes given at competitions or drawings at events open to the public. 10. Reasonable cost (e.g., fees, meals, lodging, and/or transportation) and frequency of conferences, seminars, events, or meetings, so long as the conferences, seminars, events, or meetings are documented and: a. The person is scheduled to deliver a speech, participate in a presentation, participate on a panel, or receive an award; b. The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid pursuant to a vendor agreement or contract; or c. The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid by a governmental entity or an IRC 501(c)(3) organization. 11. Reasonable cost and frequency of City sponsored educational events, so long as the events are documented. 12. Reasonable cost and frequency of business meals for covered persons, so long as the meals are documented. 13. Perishable or consumable gifts given to a City department or group. 14. Gifts accepted in a covered person's official capacity that will become property of the City. 15. For elected officials and their immediate family members, reasonable cost and frequency of meals and event tickets pertaining to their official duties as Mayor or members of City Council so long as the gift is documented and is not intended, and does not affect, a direct official action. 16. A non-pecuniary award of reasonable value and frequency publicly presented by an IRC 501(c)(3) organization in recognition of public service. 17. Discounts that are similarly available to all employees of the City, or discounts that are offered to the public generally or to a large segment of the public (i.e., all uniformed personnel, all government employees, or all first responders). 18. Any exemption granted or exception recognized pursuant to Federal or State law. 19. Any other exceptions as may be approved by the Commission through an inquiry for consideration. C. Inappropriate Hospitality And Gifts: Inappropriate hospitality or gifts involves offering or receiving accommodations, tours, event tickets, recreation, entertainment, meals or other similar personal benefits when a substantial interest exists that could influence or be perceived to influence objectivity when interacting with, representing, or conducting business for or on behalf of the City. (Ord. 11-18; Ord. 16-122) 32 CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER Sec. 2-60. Gifts to officers, officials, and employees. The purpose of this section is to avoid special influence by donors who give gifts to city officers, employees or officials. (a) Except when acceptance is permitted by paragraph (b) below, it shall be a violation of this code of ethics for any officers, officials, or employees, any member of their immediate families to solicit or to accept any of the following items if (1) the officer, official, or employee is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the donor; and (2) the city has an existing, ongoing, or pending contract, business, or regulatory relationship with the donor: (1) Any money, property, service, or thing of value that is given to a person without adequate and lawful compensation; (2) Any honoraria or payment for participation in an event; (3) Any loan of goods, equipment, or other items that is not available to the general public on the same terms and conditions; (4) Any loan of money that is not available to the general public at the same interest rate and the same conditions; (5) Any ticket to a sporting, recreational, or cultural event except as provided for in subsection (b)(4) of this section; (6) Travel expenses and lodging; (7) Any reduction in price or any discount that is not similarly available to all city officers, officials, and employees on the same terms; (8) Parking passes except as provided for in subsection (b)(4) of this section; and (9) Meals except as provided for in subsection (b)(4) of this section. This prohibition shall also apply to gifts from a lobbyist or representative of a client if (1) the officer, official, or employee is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the client and (2) the city has an existing, ongoing, or pending contract, business, or regulatory relationship with the client. 33 (b) Officers, officials, and employees and the members of their immediate family may accept the following even if the officer, official, or employee is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the donor, or, if the donor is a lobbyist or representative, the donor's client: (1) Gifts from other officers, officials, or employees and their family members on appropriate occasions; (2) Campaign contributions as permitted by law; (3) Nonpecuniary awards that are publicly presented by an organization in recognition of public service if the award is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by the recipient; (4) The donation of meals, tickets to events for which admission is charged, or free or reduced price admission to events for which a fee is charged, but only under the following conditions: a. The value of any meals, tickets, or free or reduced price admissions accepted from the same donor in any calendar year shall not exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) and shall be subject to the reporting requirements set forth in article V of this chapter 2; b. A donation from an employee of a business or entity shall be counted as a gift from the business or entity; c. The individual or entity which pays for the meal, ticket, or admission shall be considered the donor for purposes of this subsection regardless of whether that individual or entity is reimbursed for the cost; d. Attendance must be reasonably related to the official or ceremonial duties of the officer, official, or employee; e. The donation of parking for the meal or event shall be allowed on the same terms and conditions; f. Officers, officials and employees may accept the following donations of meals regardless of the annual cap on the value of such meals set forth in paragraph a. of this subsection and without the need to report the donation under article V of this chapter 2: meals provided to all attendees at a public meeting and consumed while the meeting is in progress, including by way of example "working lunches;" and meals provided to all 34 members of any governmental, civic, or non-profit board of which the officer, official or employee is a member and consumed in conjunction with any meeting of the board; g. Officers, officials and employees may accept the following donations of tickets or free admissions to events, regardless of the annual cap on the value of such donations set forth in paragraph a. of this subsection: tickets or free admission to a charitable event, as long as the ticket or free admission is offered directly by and at the expense of the charitable, other non-profit, or governmental entity hosting the event and not directly or indirectly offered by any sponsor of the event or other donor to which the gift restriction set forth in paragraph a. of this section applies. Any ticket or free admission to an event accepted under this paragraph g., shall be subject to reporting requirements set forth in article V of this chapter 2. (5) Unsolicited items of trivial value. "Items of trivial value" means items or services with a value of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or less, such as inexpensive tee shirts, pens, calendars, books, flowers, or other similar items and does not mean cash or gift cards; (6) Gifts while visiting other cities, counties, states, or countries or hosting visitors from other cities, counties, states, or countries when it would be a breach of protocol to refuse the gift; (7) Reasonable expenses paid by non-profit organizations or other governments for attendance at a convention, fact finding mission or trip, or other meeting if the person is scheduled to deliver a speech, make a presentation, participate on a panel, or represent the city in an official capacity reasonably related to the recipient's employment by the city; (8) Gifts on special and infrequent occasions if the gift is appropriate to the occasion. These occasions include weddings, funerals, and illnesses; (9) Gifts to commemorate a public event in which the officer, official, or employee participated in an official capacity, provided that the gift is appropriate to the occasion. Such occasions include ground breaking ceremonies and grand openings; 35 (10) Memberships and passes from the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Denver Zoo; (11) Gifts from family members; (12) Items which are similarly available to all employees of the city or the general public on the same terms and conditions. (c) It shall not be a violation of this article for an officer, official, or employee to solicit or accept donations to the city or to solicit, accept, or redirect donations for charitable purposes to a 501(c) or other charitable organization or to provide assistance to individuals affected by illness, crime or disaster or who have educational or other charitable needs, provided, however, that: (1) If an officer or employee soliciting such a donation is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the donor; and the city has an existing, ongoing, or pending contract, business, or regulatory relationship with the donor, any donation that is actually made as a result of the officer or employee's solicitation is reported by the officer or employee as required in article V of this chapter 2; and (2) The soliciting person, or a member of the soliciting person's immediate family does not keep or use the gift or receive any monetary benefit therefrom. (d) It shall not be a violation of this article for a member of an officer's, official's or employee's immediate family to accept a gift which arises from an independent relationship of an adult member, if: (1) The officer, official or employee does not use the gift; and (2) It cannot reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to influence the officer, official, or employee in the performance of their duties. (Ord. No. 96-01, § 1, 1-29-01; Ord. No. 523-02, § 2, 7-1-02; Ord. No. 931- 04, §§ 8, 9, 9-7-04; Ord. No. 698-09, § 5, 11-30-09; Ord. No. 547-12, § 3, 10-29-12; Ord. No. 1202-16, § 8, 3-6-17; Ord. No. 614-18, § 2, 7-9-18; Ord. No. 401-21, § 1, 4-26-21) 36 Created: 2025-03-31 17:05:16 [EST] (Supp. No. 18, Update 2) Page 1 of 2 CITY OF GOLDEN 2.32.035 Rules of conduct for officials. (a) No member of city council may solicit or accept from any person a present or future gift, favor, service, honorarium or thing of value, whose cumulative value is more than $100.00 per annum whether or not there is an actual or perceived benefit to the recipient. This prohibition shall not apply to: (1) Acceptance of food and refreshment at conferences, seminars, training sessions, luncheon and dinner meetings, special occasions and other instances in conjunction with city business. (2) Campaign contributions reported pursuant to the campaign finance ordinance, chapter 1.05 of the Golden Municipal Code. (3) An award publicly presented in recognition of public service. (4) Any gift to the member of city council from an immediate family member of the member of the city council. (5) Scholarships or grants for payment of educational expenses, including living expenses, awarded to the member of city council or his or her immediate family member. (6) Any gift to the member of city council from a person meeting all of the following criteria: a Such person does not reside in the City of Golden. b Such person does not own real property in the City of Golden. c Such person does not conduct business in the City of Golden, or with the City of Golden. d Such person has no personal or financial interest substantially affected or influenced by the Golden City Council or the City of Golden. e Such person is not associated with, employed by, or otherwise acting on behalf of a person who does not meet all of the above criteria. (b) No official may solicit or accept from any person any present or future gift, favor, loan, service or thing of value under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that such gift, favor, loan, service or thing of value was made or given primarily for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence such official in connection with an official act, or as a reward of official action he or she has previously taken. (c) No member of city council may solicit or accept from any person a loan at a rate of interest substantially lower than, or with terms more attractive than, the market rate or term then currently prevalent for similar loans; nor may any member of city council solicit or receive compensation for private services rendered at a rate, or 37 Created: 2025-03-31 17:05:16 [EST] (Supp. No. 18, Update 2) Page 2 of 2 under terms, substantially exceeding the fair market value for such services. This prohibition shall not apply to: (1) Any loan to the official from an immediate family member of the member of city council. (2) Scholarships or grants for payment of educational expenses, including living expenses, awarded to the member of city council or his or her immediate family member. (3) Any loan to the member of city council from a person meeting all of the following criteria: a Such person does not reside in the City of Golden. b Such person does not own real property in the City of Golden. c Such person does not conduct business in the City of Golden, or with the City of Golden. d Such person has no personal or financial interest substantially affected or influenced by the Golden City Council or the City of Golden. e Such person is not associated with, employed by, or otherwise acting on behalf of a person who does not meet all of the above criteria. (Ord. 1842, § 2, 2009; Ord. 1701, 2005) 38 CITY OF LAFAYETTE Sec. 42-3. Rules of conduct for board members and employees. (a) The following shall apply to all board members and employees: (1) Contracting with the city. a. No board member shall have any direct or indirect financial interest in any contract with the city unless the contract is awarded through a process of public notice and competitive bidding as provided in the City of Lafayette's Code of Ordinances or city policies, rules, or regulations, and the board member complies with all relevant procedures prescribed in section 42-4. Any such contract entered into in violation of the prohibition of this subsection shall be void. b. Employees may have a direct or indirect financial interest in a contract with the city, but only if the subject matter of the contract is (i) unrelated to the employee's official duties; and (ii) the financial interest is disclosed in the contract. Any such contract entered into in violation of the prohibition of this subsection shall be void. c. The prohibitions of this subsection shall not apply to any contract determined by the council to be an incidental transaction. Transactions of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) or less shall be considered to be of an incidental nature. Transactions of greater value shall be handled on a case-by-case basis. (2) Confidential information. a. No board member or employee may use any confidential information in furtherance of any personal or financial interest or the personal or financial interest of any other person, unless such information is obtainable by the public at large. b. No board member or employee may disclose to third parties any confidential information, unless authorized to do so by a 2/3 vote of the applicable board. (3) No board member or employee, in his or her official capacity, may solicit or accept from any one donor a present or future gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value, whose cumulative value is more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per annum, or under circumstances that would lead a reasonably prudent person to believe that such gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value was made or given primarily for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence such board member or employee in connection with an official act, or as a reward for official action he or she has previously taken. This prohibition shall not apply to: a. Acceptance of food and refreshment at conferences, seminars, training sessions, luncheon and dinner meetings, special occasions and other instances in conjunction with city business. 39 b. Admissions to conferences, seminars, training sessions, cultural events, award ceremonies, or conventions related to or in connection with city business. c. Campaign contributions reported under the Fair Campaign Practices Act. (4) No board member or employee may solicit or accept from any person or entity a present or future gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value whatsoever, if the gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value was made or given for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence such board member or employee in connection with an official act, or as a reward for official action which he or she has previously taken. (5) No board member or employee shall engage in a substantial financial transaction for his or her private business purposes with a person whom he or she inspects or supervises in the course of his or her official duties. (6) No board member or employee shall perform an official act that directly and substantially affects to its economic benefit a business or other undertaking in which such board member or employee has a substantial personal or financial interest or that directly and substantially affects to its economic detriment any business or other undertaking when such board member or employee has a substantial personal or financial interest in a competing business or undertaking. (7) No board member or employee, during his or her term with the city, may appear or be affiliated with a firm appearing concerning any transaction with the city, except under the following circumstances: a. An employee or board member may appear on his or her own behalf, or through an agent, before any board of which he or she is not a member. A board member may appear on his or her own behalf, but only through an agent, before the body of which he or she is a member, if the board member follows the procedure prescribed by section 42-4 below. b. An employee or board member, other than a member of the city council, may appear on behalf of another person before any board except the body of which the board member is a member. A city council member may appear on behalf of his or her spouse, parents, children, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, and children-in-law before any board except the city council. (b) The following shall, in addition to subsection (a) above, apply to all members of the city council: (1) During his or her term of office, no member of the council, including the mayor, shall be a salaried employee of the city, except as a council member. (2) A member of the council may be affiliated with a firm appearing on behalf of or employed by another person concerning any transaction with the city before the council if the council member follows the procedures prescribed by section 42-4 below. 40 (3) If a newly elected or appointed member of the council, including the mayor, finds himself or herself in violation of any portion of this chapter, he or she shall have forty-five (45) days after his or her election or appointment to either divest himself or herself from the personal or financial conflict or to resign from the council. (Ord. No. 2008-19, § 1, 5-20-08) 41 CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS 1.3.111: GIFTS: A. Hospitality And Gifts: No covered person or immediate family member shall solicit, accept, or give any gift related to the covered person's duties and responsibilities on behalf of the City. B. Exceptions: Providing that the gift could not be reasonably considered a bribe or a means of improper influence on a direct official action, no violation of this Code of Ethics shall be found to apply to the following: 1. A campaign contribution as defined by law. 2. An unsolicited item or items of value less than the dollar amount established and adjusted in Colorado Constitution, article XXIX, section 3, per vendor or third party per year. As of January 1, 2017, that amount is fifty nine dollars ($59.00). a. The cost of the gift is the retail value of the item unless the receiver has knowledge that the giver paid more than the retail value, in which case the cost is the amount actually paid. b. For a charity event, the cost of the event is the amount the event organizer reports to the Internal Revenue Service as the non-deductible portion of the event. c. It is not permissible to pay part of the cost of a gift that is offered with a value exceeding the amount set forth in subsection B2 of this section to reduce the value to less than the amount set forth in subsection B2 of this section and then accept the gift. d. Immediate family members of covered persons, except those of elected officials, may only accept a free or discounted event ticket if they attend the event with a covered person. Event tickets for elected officials are covered under subsection B15 of this section. 3. An unsolicited token or award of appreciation that is reasonable in value and purpose, such as plaques and professional awards. 4. A component of compensation paid or other recognition given in the normal course of employment, appointment, volunteer services, or business. 5. Any scholarship or grant or other financial aid for education given to any covered person or immediate family member for any reason. 6. Any charity event benefiting the City and any of its affiliated organizations. 7. Any gift solicitation for a charitable purpose as determined to be appropriate by the City or its affiliated organization. 8. Any gift, whether solicited or not, to benefit a public safety or community purpose. 42 9. Awards or prizes given at competitions or drawings at events open to the public. 10. Reasonable cost (e.g., fees, meals, lodging, and/or transportation) and frequency of conferences, seminars, events, or meetings, so long as the conferences, seminars, events, or meetings are documented and: a. The person is scheduled to deliver a speech, participate in a presentation, participate on a panel, or receive an award; b. The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid pursuant to a vendor agreement or contract; or c. The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid by a governmental entity or an IRC 501(c)(3) organization. 11. Reasonable cost and frequency of City sponsored educational events, so long as the events are documented. 12. Reasonable cost and frequency of business meals for covered persons, so long as the meals are documented. 13. Perishable or consumable gifts given to a City department or group. 14. Gifts accepted in a covered person's official capacity that will become property of the City. 15. For elected officials and their immediate family members, reasonable cost and frequency of meals and event tickets pertaining to their official duties as Mayor or members of City Council so long as the gift is documented and is not intended, and does not affect, a direct official action. 16. A non-pecuniary award of reasonable value and frequency publicly presented by an IRC 501(c)(3) organization in recognition of public service. 17. Discounts that are similarly available to all employees of the City, or discounts that are offered to the public generally or to a large segment of the public (i.e., all uniformed personnel, all government employees, or all first responders). 18. Any exemption granted or exception recognized pursuant to Federal or State law. 19. Any other exceptions as may be approved by the Commission through an inquiry for consideration. C. Inappropriate Hospitality And Gifts: Inappropriate hospitality or gifts involves offering or receiving accommodations, tours, event tickets, recreation, entertainment, meals or other similar personal benefits when a substantial interest exists that could influence or be perceived to influence objectivity when interacting with, representing, or conducting business for or on behalf of the City. (Ord. 11-18; Ord. 16-122) 43 CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER Sec. 2-60. Gifts to officers, officials, and employees. The purpose of this section is to avoid special influence by donors who give gifts to city officers, employees or officials. (a) Except when acceptance is permitted by paragraph (b) below, it shall be a violation of this code of ethics for any officers, officials, or employees, any member of their immediate families to solicit or to accept any of the following items if (1) the officer, official, or employee is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the donor; and (2) the city has an existing, ongoing, or pending contract, business, or regulatory relationship with the donor: (1) Any money, property, service, or thing of value that is given to a person without adequate and lawful compensation; (2) Any honoraria or payment for participation in an event; (3) Any loan of goods, equipment, or other items that is not available to the general public on the same terms and conditions; (4) Any loan of money that is not available to the general public at the same interest rate and the same conditions; (5) Any ticket to a sporting, recreational, or cultural event except as provided for in subsection (b)(4) of this section; (6) Travel expenses and lodging; (7) Any reduction in price or any discount that is not similarly available to all city officers, officials, and employees on the same terms; (8) Parking passes except as provided for in subsection (b)(4) of this section; and (9) Meals except as provided for in subsection (b)(4) of this section. This prohibition shall also apply to gifts from a lobbyist or representative of a client if (1) the officer, official, or employee is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the client and (2) the city has an existing, ongoing, or pending contract, business, or regulatory relationship with the client. 44 (b) Officers, officials, and employees and the members of their immediate family may accept the following even if the officer, official, or employee is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the donor, or, if the donor is a lobbyist or representative, the donor's client: (1) Gifts from other officers, officials, or employees and their family members on appropriate occasions; (2) Campaign contributions as permitted by law; (3) Nonpecuniary awards that are publicly presented by an organization in recognition of public service if the award is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by the recipient; (4) The donation of meals, tickets to events for which admission is charged, or free or reduced price admission to events for which a fee is charged, but only under the following conditions: a. The value of any meals, tickets, or free or reduced price admissions accepted from the same donor in any calendar year shall not exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) and shall be subject to the reporting requirements set forth in article V of this chapter 2; b. A donation from an employee of a business or entity shall be counted as a gift from the business or entity; c. The individual or entity which pays for the meal, ticket, or admission shall be considered the donor for purposes of this subsection regardless of whether that individual or entity is reimbursed for the cost; d. Attendance must be reasonably related to the official or ceremonial duties of the officer, official, or employee; e. The donation of parking for the meal or event shall be allowed on the same terms and conditions; f. Officers, officials and employees may accept the following donations of meals regardless of the annual cap on the value of such meals set forth in paragraph a. of this subsection and without the need to report the donation under article V of this chapter 2: meals provided to all attendees at a public meeting and consumed while the meeting is in progress, including by way of example "working lunches;" and meals provided to all 45 members of any governmental, civic, or non-profit board of which the officer, official or employee is a member and consumed in conjunction with any meeting of the board; g. Officers, officials and employees may accept the following donations of tickets or free admissions to events, regardless of the annual cap on the value of such donations set forth in paragraph a. of this subsection: tickets or free admission to a charitable event, as long as the ticket or free admission is offered directly by and at the expense of the charitable, other non-profit, or governmental entity hosting the event and not directly or indirectly offered by any sponsor of the event or other donor to which the gift restriction set forth in paragraph a. of this section applies. Any ticket or free admission to an event accepted under this paragraph g., shall be subject to reporting requirements set forth in article V of this chapter 2. (5) Unsolicited items of trivial value. "Items of trivial value" means items or services with a value of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or less, such as inexpensive tee shirts, pens, calendars, books, flowers, or other similar items and does not mean cash or gift cards; (6) Gifts while visiting other cities, counties, states, or countries or hosting visitors from other cities, counties, states, or countries when it would be a breach of protocol to refuse the gift; (7) Reasonable expenses paid by non-profit organizations or other governments for attendance at a convention, fact finding mission or trip, or other meeting if the person is scheduled to deliver a speech, make a presentation, participate on a panel, or represent the city in an official capacity reasonably related to the recipient's employment by the city; (8) Gifts on special and infrequent occasions if the gift is appropriate to the occasion. These occasions include weddings, funerals, and illnesses; (9) Gifts to commemorate a public event in which the officer, official, or employee participated in an official capacity, provided that the gift is appropriate to the occasion. Such occasions include ground breaking ceremonies and grand openings; 46 (10) Memberships and passes from the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Denver Zoo; (11) Gifts from family members; (12) Items which are similarly available to all employees of the city or the general public on the same terms and conditions. (c) It shall not be a violation of this article for an officer, official, or employee to solicit or accept donations to the city or to solicit, accept, or redirect donations for charitable purposes to a 501(c) or other charitable organization or to provide assistance to individuals affected by illness, crime or disaster or who have educational or other charitable needs, provided, however, that: (1) If an officer or employee soliciting such a donation is in a position to take direct official action with regard to the donor; and the city has an existing, ongoing, or pending contract, business, or regulatory relationship with the donor, any donation that is actually made as a result of the officer or employee's solicitation is reported by the officer or employee as required in article V of this chapter 2; and (2) The soliciting person, or a member of the soliciting person's immediate family does not keep or use the gift or receive any monetary benefit therefrom. (d) It shall not be a violation of this article for a member of an officer's, official's or employee's immediate family to accept a gift which arises from an independent relationship of an adult member, if: (1) The officer, official or employee does not use the gift; and (2) It cannot reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to influence the officer, official, or employee in the performance of their duties. (Ord. No. 96-01, § 1, 1-29-01; Ord. No. 523-02, § 2, 7-1-02; Ord. No. 931- 04, §§ 8, 9, 9-7-04; Ord. No. 698-09, § 5, 11-30-09; Ord. No. 547-12, § 3, 10-29-12; Ord. No. 1202-16, § 8, 3-6-17; Ord. No. 614-18, § 2, 7-9-18; Ord. No. 401-21, § 1, 4-26-21) 47 Created: 2025-03-31 17:05:16 [EST] (Supp. No. 18, Update 2) Page 1 of 2 CITY OF GOLDEN 2.32.035 Rules of conduct for officials. (a) No member of city council may solicit or accept from any person a present or future gift, favor, service, honorarium or thing of value, whose cumulative value is more than $100.00 per annum whether or not there is an actual or perceived benefit to the recipient. This prohibition shall not apply to: (1) Acceptance of food and refreshment at conferences, seminars, training sessions, luncheon and dinner meetings, special occasions and other instances in conjunction with city business. (2) Campaign contributions reported pursuant to the campaign finance ordinance, chapter 1.05 of the Golden Municipal Code. (3) An award publicly presented in recognition of public service. (4) Any gift to the member of city council from an immediate family member of the member of the city council. (5) Scholarships or grants for payment of educational expenses, including living expenses, awarded to the member of city council or his or her immediate family member. (6) Any gift to the member of city council from a person meeting all of the following criteria: a Such person does not reside in the City of Golden. b Such person does not own real property in the City of Golden. c Such person does not conduct business in the City of Golden, or with the City of Golden. d Such person has no personal or financial interest substantially affected or influenced by the Golden City Council or the City of Golden. e Such person is not associated with, employed by, or otherwise acting on behalf of a person who does not meet all of the above criteria. (b) No official may solicit or accept from any person any present or future gift, favor, loan, service or thing of value under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that such gift, favor, loan, service or thing of value was made or given primarily for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence such official in connection with an official act, or as a reward of official action he or she has previously taken. (c) No member of city council may solicit or accept from any person a loan at a rate of interest substantially lower than, or with terms more attractive than, the market rate or term then currently prevalent for similar loans; nor may any member of city council solicit or receive compensation for private services rendered at a rate, or 48 Created: 2025-03-31 17:05:16 [EST] (Supp. No. 18, Update 2) Page 2 of 2 under terms, substantially exceeding the fair market value for such services. This prohibition shall not apply to: (1) Any loan to the official from an immediate family member of the member of city council. (2) Scholarships or grants for payment of educational expenses, including living expenses, awarded to the member of city council or his or her immediate family member. (3) Any loan to the member of city council from a person meeting all of the following criteria: a Such person does not reside in the City of Golden. b Such person does not own real property in the City of Golden. c Such person does not conduct business in the City of Golden, or with the City of Golden. d Such person has no personal or financial interest substantially affected or influenced by the Golden City Council or the City of Golden. e Such person is not associated with, employed by, or otherwise acting on behalf of a person who does not meet all of the above criteria. (Ord. 1842, § 2, 2009; Ord. 1701, 2005) 49 CITY OF LAFAYETTE Sec. 42-3. Rules of conduct for board members and employees. (a) The following shall apply to all board members and employees: (1) Contracting with the city. a. No board member shall have any direct or indirect financial interest in any contract with the city unless the contract is awarded through a process of public notice and competitive bidding as provided in the City of Lafayette's Code of Ordinances or city policies, rules, or regulations, and the board member complies with all relevant procedures prescribed in section 42-4. Any such contract entered into in violation of the prohibition of this subsection shall be void. b. Employees may have a direct or indirect financial interest in a contract with the city, but only if the subject matter of the contract is (i) unrelated to the employee's official duties; and (ii) the financial interest is disclosed in the contract. Any such contract entered into in violation of the prohibition of this subsection shall be void. c. The prohibitions of this subsection shall not apply to any contract determined by the council to be an incidental transaction. Transactions of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) or less shall be considered to be of an incidental nature. Transactions of greater value shall be handled on a case-by-case basis. (2) Confidential information. a. No board member or employee may use any confidential information in furtherance of any personal or financial interest or the personal or financial interest of any other person, unless such information is obtainable by the public at large. b. No board member or employee may disclose to third parties any confidential information, unless authorized to do so by a 2/3 vote of the applicable board. (3) No board member or employee, in his or her official capacity, may solicit or accept from any one donor a present or future gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value, whose cumulative value is more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per annum, or under circumstances that would lead a reasonably prudent person to believe that such gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value was made or given primarily for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence such board member or employee in connection with an official act, or as a reward for official action he or she has previously taken. This prohibition shall not apply to: a. Acceptance of food and refreshment at conferences, seminars, training sessions, luncheon and dinner meetings, special occasions and other instances in conjunction with city business. 50 b. Admissions to conferences, seminars, training sessions, cultural events, award ceremonies, or conventions related to or in connection with city business. c. Campaign contributions reported under the Fair Campaign Practices Act. (4) No board member or employee may solicit or accept from any person or entity a present or future gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value whatsoever, if the gift, favor, loan, service, honorarium, or thing of value was made or given for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence such board member or employee in connection with an official act, or as a reward for official action which he or she has previously taken. (5) No board member or employee shall engage in a substantial financial transaction for his or her private business purposes with a person whom he or she inspects or supervises in the course of his or her official duties. (6) No board member or employee shall perform an official act that directly and substantially affects to its economic benefit a business or other undertaking in which such board member or employee has a substantial personal or financial interest or that directly and substantially affects to its economic detriment any business or other undertaking when such board member or employee has a substantial personal or financial interest in a competing business or undertaking. (7) No board member or employee, during his or her term with the city, may appear or be affiliated with a firm appearing concerning any transaction with the city, except under the following circumstances: a. An employee or board member may appear on his or her own behalf, or through an agent, before any board of which he or she is not a member. A board member may appear on his or her own behalf, but only through an agent, before the body of which he or she is a member, if the board member follows the procedure prescribed by section 42-4 below. b. An employee or board member, other than a member of the city council, may appear on behalf of another person before any board except the body of which the board member is a member. A city council member may appear on behalf of his or her spouse, parents, children, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, and children-in-law before any board except the city council. (b) The following shall, in addition to subsection (a) above, apply to all members of the city council: (1) During his or her term of office, no member of the council, including the mayor, shall be a salaried employee of the city, except as a council member. (2) A member of the council may be affiliated with a firm appearing on behalf of or employed by another person concerning any transaction with the city before the council if the council member follows the procedures prescribed by section 42-4 below. 51 (3) If a newly elected or appointed member of the council, including the mayor, finds himself or herself in violation of any portion of this chapter, he or she shall have forty-five (45) days after his or her election or appointment to either divest himself or herself from the personal or financial conflict or to resign from the council. (Ord. No. 2008-19, § 1, 5-20-08) 52 CITY OF LAKEWOOD 2.03.050 Gifts. A. No Councilmember shall solicit or accept any Gift from any Person, either directly or indirectly through a Family Member, which Gift the Councilmember knows or which a reasonable Person in such Person's position should know, under the circumstances: 1. would tend to improperly influence the Councilmember to depart from the faithful and impartial discharge of the Councilmember's public duties; or 2. is being solicited or given for the primary purpose of rewarding the Councilmember for an Official Action the Councilmember has taken; B. The following acts of accepting a gift shall be presumed to be a violation of this ethics code unless the individual who accepted the gift can provide facts and/or evidence showing that the act as described below was not an ethical violation (i.e., a rebuttable presumption of ethical violation arising from the acceptance of Gift). 1. There shall be a rebuttable presumption the Councilmember knows such they are prohibited from accepting a Gift from a Person who has submitted a pending application, proposal, or contract to the City, or whom the Councilmember knows is considering submitting such request. 2. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a Gift exceeding $100.00, trips outside the jurisdiction for non-work-related purposes, or tickets to an event outside the jurisdiction for a non-work-related purpose is a prohibited Gift unless enumerated under subsection (C) below. 3. The dollar amount associated with determining whether a gift is of a value that would tend to improperly influence an elected official shall be established as either money or property in excess of $100.00. C. The following Gifts shall not be deemed to improperly influence a Councilmember as described in subsection (A)(1) or to be an unlawful reward for Official Action as described in subsection (A)(2) and shall not be prohibited for that reason: 1. Campaign contributions and contributions in kind as authorized by law; 2. An unsolicited, occasional non-pecuniary Gift that is of trivial value not exceeding $100.00; 3. An unsolicited token or award of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item; 4. Unsolicited informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient's performance of official duties; 5. Payment of, or reimbursement for, meals, lodging, travel expenses, and admission for attendance at a convention or other meeting at which the Councilmember is scheduled to participate; 6. Gifts similarly available to the general public; 53 7. Gifts given to the City which may be used by a Councilmember during such Councilmember's term in office, but that never become the Councilmember's property; 8. Educational scholarships, fellowships, and grants (hereafter collectively referred to as "scholarships") awarded by any person, whether such scholarships and grants are awarded to the Councilmember or a Family Member; provided however, the scholarships must be awarded based on merit, competitive application, or ongoing performance requirements, and they must be awarded on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria; 9. Gifts received pursuant to fundraising activities within the community at large when a Councilmember Family Member has special medical or financial needs resulting from an accident, medical condition, or other extraordinary event; 10. Gifts received pursuant to fundraising activities within the community at large when a Councilmember or Family Member retires; 11. An occasional, unsolicited opportunity to participate in a Business meeting or social function where a meal is served and/or entertainment is provided if the Councilmember's attendance would not be considered extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by the Councilmember, including sponsored group dinners at Colorado Municipal League or similar sponsored events to which a group of similarly situated individuals from multiple municipalities are invited, and from which there is no expectation of benefit to the sponsoring organization; 12. Anything given by an individual who is a relative; 13. Anything given by a personal friend of the Councilmember and such Gift is given for personal reasons, including wedding, birthday, or similar commonly understood reason for Gift giving; 14. Any ticket to a sporting, recreational, or cultural event where the Councilmember's attendance is reasonably related to the official or ceremonial duties of the Councilmember; 15. Payment for a speech, appearance, or publication with an organization unrelated to the City and not anticipated to enter into a contract with the City; 16. Payment of salary from employment; 17. Anything given as part of an inter-office gift exchange; or 18. Gifts or things of value received by a Councilmember from the City or received by a Councilmember arising from Councilmember's non-City employment and which is unrelated to Councilmember's official City duties. (Ord. O-2022-9 § 1, 2022) 54 CITY OF LOUISVILLE Section 5-9. Code of Ethics—Standards. (a) The following requirements shall constitute reasonable standards and guidelines for the ethical conduct of officers, public body members, and employees. (b) No officer, public body member, or employee who has the power or duty to perform, or has any influence over, an official action related to a contract, shall: (1) Have or acquire an interest in a contract between a business entity and the City, unless the City's procedures applicable to the solicitation and acceptance of such contract are followed and unless the officer, public body member, or employee has complied with the provisions of Section 5-10; (2) Have an interest in any business entity which is a party to the contract with the City, unless the officer, public body member, or employee has complied with the provisions of Section 5-10; (3) Represent or appear before the City Council, any public body, or any other officer, public body member, or employee, on behalf of any business entity which is a party to the contract with the City; (4) Have solicited or accepted present or future employment with any business entity which is a party to a contract with the City, if the offer or acceptance of such employment is related to or results from any official action performed by the officer, public body member, or employee with regard to the contract; or (5) Solicit, accept, or be granted a present or future gift, favor, discount, service or thing of value from or for any person involved in the contract. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit any officer, public body member, or employee from accepting an occasional nonpecuniary gift of fifteen dollars ($15.00) or less in value, or from accepting an award, publicly presented, in recognition of public service. However, no officer, public body member, or employee shall accept a nonpecuniary gift of any value if the gift is or may be in any way associated with a contract that is or may be one for which the officer, public body member, or employee has the power or duty to perform an official action. (c) No officer, public body member, or employee shall be directly responsible for the hiring, appointment, retention, or supervision of, or influence or attempt to influence the hiring, appointment, supervision, or retention by the City of, any relative of the officer, public body member, or employee. (d) No officer, public body member, or employee shall influence or attempt to influence the compensation, benefits, or other terms and conditions of City office or City employment applicable to a relative of the officer, public body member, or employee. (e) No relative of an officer, public body member, or employee shall be hired as an employee unless the City's personnel procedures applicable to such employment have been followed. 55 (f) No officer, public body member, or employee shall use for personal or private gain, or for any other personal or private purposes, any information which is not available to the public and which is obtained by reason of his or her position with the City, or disclose any such information except as required by law or for City purposes. (g) No employee shall engage in or accept any employment or service, other than employment by the City, if such employment or service reasonably would tend to impair the employee's independence of judgment in the performance of the employee's duties. This restriction shall not be construed to prohibit any other restrictions or prohibitions on outside employment applicable to an employee. (h) Neither the City Manager, nor any employee who is the head of a City department, shall be appointed to serve as a member of a public body. (i) No officer, public body member, or employee shall request or direct the use of an employee's working time for the City, and no employee shall use his or her working time for the City, for personal or private purposes. (j) No officer, public body member, or employee shall request, direct, or permit the personal or private use of any City vehicle or City equipment except in the same manner and under the same circumstances applicable to any person who is not an officer, public body member, or employee, unless such use will substantially benefit the City. (k) No officer, public body member, or employee shall request, or grant to any person, any special consideration, treatment, or advantage beyond that which is available to every other person in similar circumstances or need. (l) No officer, public body member, or employee shall, at any time within two (2) years after termination from the City: (1) Appear on behalf of the officer's, public body member's, or employee's interest, or on behalf of the interest of any other person, before the City Council, any public body, or department of the City, in relation to any matter concerning which the officer, public body member, or employee performed an official act; or (2) Represent the interest of the officer, public body member, or employee, or of any other person, in any other matter before the City Council, any public body, or department of the City, without disclosing to the City the officer's, public body member's, or employee's prior relationship to the City and present relationship to the interest. (m) Except as provided in Subsection (n), no officer, public body member, or employee shall appear before the City Council or any public body on behalf of any business entity. (n) A member of a public body may appear on behalf of a business entity before the City Council or before a public body other than the public body of which he or she is a member, so long as the appearance does not concern any matter that has or may come before the public body of which he or she is a member. 56 (o) Nothing in the Code of Ethics shall preclude an officer, public body member, or employee from appearing before the City Council, any public body, or any other officer, public body member, or employee on behalf of any person which is not a business entity, so long as the appearance does not concern the officer's, public body member's, or employee's interest. (p) No officer or public body member shall offer or promise to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any proposed official action in consideration or upon condition that any other officer, public body member, will promise or assent to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any other proposed official action. (q) No officer shall become a City employee at any time during the term of office, or for two (2) years after leaving office. (r) No officer shall acquire or seek to acquire any real estate or interest therein if the officer knows, or reasonably should know, that the Council is evaluating, proposing, or pursuing the acquisition of such real estate or interest therein. The officer's knowledge shall be presumed if the minutes or other record of any Council meeting or study session reflect any discussion of the same, or if the officer was present at any executive session at which the same was discussed. The prohibitions of this subsection shall continue to apply until after the Council has abandoned any effort to acquire such real estate or interest therein, and such abandonment has been reflected in the minutes or other record of a Council meeting. (Chart. Code, 2009) 57 CITY OF LOVELAND 2.73.030 Permitted gifts. The gift prohibitions of City Code Section 2.73.020 shall not apply to city officials with respect to the following permitted gifts: A. Campaign contributions as authorized by law; B. A non-monetary award, publicly presented, in recognition of public service; C. Gifts similarly available to the general public; D. Educational scholarships and grants available to members of the general public similarly situated; E. Grants and services provided for medical, respite or hospice care or other social welfare needs available to members of the general public similarly situated; F. An occasional, unsolicited gift having a fair market value of $50.00 or less; G. Unsolicited informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the city official's performance of his or her official duties; H. An unsolicited token or award of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento or similar item; I. Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for registration, travel, lodging and meals for attendance at a convention, training seminar, or other meeting at which the city official is scheduled to participate as a representative of the city or to attend as part of his or her official duties; J. An occasional, unsolicited opportunity to participate in a business meeting or social function where a meal is served and/or entertainment is provided if the city official's attendance would not be considered extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by the city official; K. Payment received by a council member for a speech, appearance or publication required to be reported by the council member pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-203; L. Gifts received by a council member or a board and commission member arising from his or her employment and that is unrelated to his or her official city duties; and M. Gifts received by an employee from the city as authorized in the city's personnel rules and regulations, and any gifts received by an employee arising from his or her non-city employment and that is unrelated to his or her official city duties. 58 CITY OF PUEBLO Sec. 1-9-4. Rules of conduct for all City officials and employees. (a) Proof beyond a reasonable doubt of commission of any act enumerated in this Section is proof that the actor has breached his or her fiduciary duty and the public trust. A City official or an employee shall not: (1) Disclose or use confidential information acquired in the course of his or her official duties in order to further substantially his or her personal financial interests; or (2) Accept a gift of substantial value or a substantial economic benefit tantamount to a gift of substantial value: a. Which would tend improperly to influence a reasonable person in his or her position to depart from the faithful and impartial discharge of his or her public duties; or b. Which he or she knows or which a reasonable person in his or her position should know under the circumstances is primarily for the purpose of rewarding him or her for official action he or she has taken. (b) An economic benefit tantamount to a gift of substantial value includes without limitation a loan at a rate of interest substantially lower than the commercial rate then currently prevalent for similar loans and compensation received for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceeding the fair market value of such services. (c) The following shall not be considered gifts of substantial value or gifts of substantial economic benefit tantamount to gifts of substantial value for purposes of this Section: (1) Campaign contributions and contributions in kind reported as required by Section 5-2-1; (2) An occasional nonpecuniary gift, insignificant in value; (3) A nonpecuniary award publicly presented by a nonprofit organization in recognition of public service; (4) Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for travel and subsistence for attendance at a convention or other meeting at which such City official or employee is scheduled to participate; (5) Reimbursement for or acceptance of an opportunity to participate in a social function or meeting which is offered to such City official or employee which is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by such City official or employee; (6) Items of perishable or nonpermanent value, including, but not limited to, meals, lodging, travel expenses or tickets to sporting, recreational, educational or cultural events; 59 (7) Payment for speeches, appearances or publications reported pursuant to Section 24-6-203, C.R.S.; (8) Compensation from employment, including other government employment, in addition to that earned from being a member of the City Council or by reason of service in other public office. (d) The provisions of this Section are distinct from and in addition to the reporting requirements of Section 5-2-1 of this Code and Section 24-6-203, C.R.S. and do not relieve an incumbent in or elected candidate to public office of the City from reporting an item described in Subsection (c) above, if such reporting provisions apply. (Ord. No. 6323, 5-26-98) 60 CITY OF THORNTON Sec. 2-191. Restrictions. (a) No officer, board member, or employee shall knowingly use any confidential information to further the personal interest of the officer, board member or employee or any relative thereof. (b) No officer, board member or employee shall disclose any confidential information to persons not entitled to such information, except as required by law. (c) No officer, board member or employee shall participate in any discussion of, take any final action on, or vote to render any final decision or determination on any matter in relation to which the officer, board member or employee has a conflict of interest. (d) No officer, board member or employee shall accept, receive or solicit any gift or other thing of value having either a fair market value or aggregate actual cost greater than $75.00 in any calendar year, including but not limited to, gifts, loans, rewards, promises or negotiations of future employment, favors or services, honorariums, travel, entertainment, or special discounts, from a person, without the person receiving lawful consideration of equal or greater value in return from the officer, board member or employee who solicited, accepted or received the gift or other thing of value. (e) The prohibitions in subsection (d) of this section do not apply if the gift or thing of value is: (1) Campaign contributions reported if and as required by law. (2) A nonpecuniary award publicly presented by a nonprofit organization in recognition of public service. (3) Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for travel, tuition, registration fees, and subsistence for attendance at a convention, training event or other meeting at which an officer, board member, or employee is scheduled to participate or represent the city. (4) Reimbursement for or acceptance of an opportunity to participate in a social function or meeting which is offered to an officer, board member, or employee which is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by such officer, board member or employee. (5) Payment of salary from employment, including other government employment, in addition to that earned from being an officer, board member or employee. (6) Items available for free to the general public at trade conventions or other public exhibitions, and items offered at a discount to officers, board members and/or employees of governments. (f) It shall not be a violation of this article for an officer, board member, official, or employee to solicit donations to the city or to solicit or redirect donations for charitable purposes to a 501(c) or other charitable organization or to provide 61 assistance to individuals affected by illness, crime or disaster or who have educational or charitable needs, provided that solicitation and financial records are maintained and provided that the soliciting person does not keep or use the gift or receive any monetary benefit therefrom. (g) No officer, board member or employee shall receive or solicit any compensation, gift, payment of expense, reward, gratuity, loan, reduced interest rate, or any thing of value tendered by a person who has an interest in any matter pending before the city that exceeds the $75.00 limit on gifts and other things of value set forth in subsection (d) of this section. This restriction also applies to any such things of value given after the pending matter is concluded if it reasonably appears that the giving of the thing of value is related to the recipient's participation in the pending matter. Matters pending before the city include but are not limited to inspections and the processing of permits, licenses, and other administrative approvals. (h) No officer, board member, or employee shall on behalf of a private interest before the city council or any board, unless otherwise permitted by the Charter, this Code or ordinances, except that any officer, board member, or employee may appear before the city council or any board on such officer's, board member's or employee's own behalf, and an officer may appear on behalf of a private interest before any board, the action of which is not reviewable by the city council. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude an officer, board member, or employee in the same manner and under the same circumstances as any other person from appearing before the city council or a board on an application of the officer, board member, or employee for a permit, license or other approval of the council or board required by law. (i) No officer, board member or employee shall represent any private interests, other than the officer's, board member's or employee's own interest, against the interests of the city in any civil litigation to which the city is a party, unless the consent of the city council is first obtained, except that any officer, board member or employee may testify under oath if subpoenaed. (j) In addition to the restrictions on employment imposed on councilmembers for two years following their terms of office as set forth at Section 4.21 of the Charter, no officer, board member, or employee shall, at any time within six months following termination of the office or employment, obtain or retain employment in which the officer, board member or employee will take direct advantage, unavailable to others, of matters with which the officer, board member or employee was directly involved during the term of office or employment with the city. (k) No officer, board member or employee shall use any city property or employee services for personal gain or advantage except in the same manner and under the same circumstances as any other person who is not an officer, board member or employee of the city. (l) No councilmember or board member shall vote on any question concerning the member's own conduct. 62 (m) The city manager may designate by administrative directive a job classification(s) at the city's golf course that may receive gratuities in the form of tips where it is a common standard in the public sector for such position to receive tips. (n) The city council may authorize a member thereof to accept, receive or solicit a gift or other thing of value above the $75.00 limit on gifts and other things of value provided in subsection (d) of this section. (o) The $75.00 limit on gifts and other things of value provided in subsection (d) of this section shall be adjusted by an amount based upon the percentage change over a four-year period in the United States bureau of labor statistics consumer price index for Denver-Boulder-Greeley, all items, all consumers, or its successor index, rounded to the nearest lowest dollar. The first adjustment shall be done in the first quarter of 2027 and every four years thereafter. (Code 1975, § 57-5; Ord. No. 2079, § 1, 5-20-91; Ord. No. 2236, § 1, 3-15-93; Ord. No. 2978, § 3, 1-23-07; Ord. No. 3196, § 1, 4-24-12; Ord. No. 3683, § 1, 4-9-24) 63 CITY OF WESTMINSTER 1-33-1. Gifts to city councillors, members of the city's boards and commissions, and city employees. (A) No city councillor, member of a city board or commission, or city employee, directly, or indirectly through the spouse or any legal dependent thereof, shall solicit, receive or accept cash, a gift of substantial value, or a gift of substantial economic benefit that: (1) Given the circumstances, a reasonable person would conclude would tend to cause the city councillor, board or commission member, or city employee to depart from the faithful and impartial discharge of his or her public duties; or (2) The city councillor, board or commission member, or city employee knows or that a reasonable person in his or her position should know is primarily for the purpose of rewarding the city councillor, board or commission member, or city employee for official action taken or to be taken. (B) Nothing in this Chapter shall be deemed or construed as limiting the authority of the City Manager to regulate the receipt, acceptance, or solicitation of cash and gifts by city employees. In the event of any conflicts between any such regulation established by the City Manager and any provision of this ordinance, the more restrictive provision shall apply. (C) It shall be unlawful for any city councillor, board or commission member, or city employee to solicit, accept, or receive any cash or gift in violation of this Chapter. Any such violation is a criminal offense and punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both, as provided in Section 1-8-1 of this Code. (3341) 64 CALIFORNIA – applies to local government Gift Value Restriction: $250 from a single source within a calendar year, applies to local government candidates and elected officers and immediate family members; adjusted by CPI May accept: • Payments or reimbursements for travel, lodging, and subsistence that is reasonably related to legislative or governmental purpose if the travel is in connected with a speech. Travel must be on the day preceding and the day following the speech and must be within the United States. Travel must be provided by a government or non-profit organization. • Gifts appropriate to the occasion May not accept: • Any gift from a lobbyist aggregating more than $10 in a calendar month • Any honorarium. ILLINOIS – applies to State officials and employees Value restriction: $100 for items; $75 for food May accept: • Services available to general public • Campaign contributions • Educational materials • Travel meeting for State business • Gifts from relatives • Gifts from personal friends, provided the gift is not given on the basis of official position or employment • Food exceeding $75 per person per calendar day provided it is consumer on the premises • Transportation, lodging, food, and other benefits for outside activities not connected to State duties • Intra- and inter-government gifts • Inheritances May not accept any gift not excepted above, applies to family members TEXAS- applies to State public servants May accept transportation, lodging, and meals for a conference at which the public servant renders services or appears May not accept honorarium for services related to official position or duties. OHIO – applies to State public officials May accept travel, lodging, and meals, or reimbursement of such, for conferences and similar events related to official duties NORTH CAROLINA – applies to legislator, public servant, judicial officer Value restriction: $100 for person property for gifts received in another country where gifts are customary protocol. May accept: 65 • Food and beverages for immediate consumption in connection with: o An open meeting. o A gathering of a government unit or public servants with at least 10 individuals in attendance and in which all shareholders, employees and officers are invited.  Invited means a written notice from one host or sponsor. • Informational materials relevant to duties. • Travel, lodging, food, registration and entertainment in connection with: o Attendance at an educational meeting or organized gathering related to duties. o Participation as a speaker to panel member. o Participation in meetings of nonpartisan legislative organization. o Attendance at meetings in which the public servant is a board member in connection with duties. o Meetings must be attended by at least 10 people. o Transportation and food must be offered to all attendees. • Award recognizing services in a field or to a charitable cause. • Gifts on behalf of the State. • Any available to general public • Gifts from member of household • Transportation, lodging, food, and entertainment associated with industry recruitment, promotion of international trade, or travel and tourism. o Gifts must be reported to the Ethics Commission with 30 days. • Gifts for relationships not related to role or duties. • Transportation and food, from a lobbyist principal but not a lobbyist, at a conference or meeting. • Outside source may reimburse the employing entity for duties or may pay a fee to the entity in lieu of an honorarium. May not accept: • Gifts from a lobbyist. • Honorarium from a source other than the employing entity for activities wherein: o The entity reimburses the public servant for travel subsistence and registration. o Entity’s work time or resources are used. o Activity is an official duty. VIRGINIA – applies to state and local government May accept: • Payment or reimbursement for travel, lodging, or subsistence in connection with appearance or speech that does not exceed federal per diem limits. May not accept: • Honoraria for appearance of speech related to duties. WASHINGTON – applies to municipal officers May not accept: 66 • Any compensation or gift from a source other than the employing municipality for matters related to duties. MARYLAND – applies to state officials and employees and county officials Value restriction: $20 May accept: • Meals and beverages consumed in the presence of the donor or sponsor. • Gifts or awards of insignificant value. • Trivial gifts of informational value. • Travel, lodging, food, and entertainment for speaking at a meeting. • Tickets from sponsor for charitable, cultural, or political event. • Gifts from household members. • Travel, lodging, meals, expenses for dependent care. SOUTH CAROLINA – applies to state officers May accept: • Meals provided at speaking event where meal is offered to all attendees. • Reasonable and actual expenses for a speaking engagement May not accept: • Anything of value for a speech LOUISIANA – applies to state public servants and employees Value restriction: $50 for food and refreshment May accept: • Food and refreshment at meeting of governmental officials or employees with at least 10 attendees. • Admission, transportation, and lodging if event is approved by agency head and is of benefit to the agency o Acceptance must be reported within 60 days OREGON – state and political subdivisions elected officials, appointed officials, and employees Value restriction: $50 from single source per calendar year; applies to public official and household members May accept: • Honoraria, certificate, plaque, or commemorative token under value restriction. • Honoraria for services performed in relation to occupation or expertise. • Honoraria or other consideration for speech or presentation. • Travel, lodging, and food for speech or presentation. • Compensation package approved by the public body. • Reimbursement of expenses. • Award for professional achievement. • Gifts received for a source without a legislative or administrative interest • Contributions to a legal expense trust fund • Campaign contributions 67 • Gifts from relatives or household members • Award of appreciation with a value less than $25 • Informational material related to duties • Admission and food at a meeting when representing a state or local government. • Attendance and expenses at a convention or other meeting if scheduled to speak or participate on a panel while representing local government if it is put on by an organization to which the official belongs or a non-profit. • Food consumed while acting in official capacity in association with execution of documents, while engaged in a meeting, due diligence research, or presentations by the State Treasurer for an investment. • Waiver of registration expenses or materials at a continuing education event. • Expenses provided by one official to another official for travel inside the state. • Food consumed at a reception. • Entertainment incidental to the main purpose of another event. • Entertainment for a ceremonial purpose when representing a state or local government. • Anything of economic value for the customary practice of private business or employment even if nothing to do with position. May not accept: • Honoraria offered in connection with duties; applies to household members. 68 § 89502. Honoraria prohibitions; scope, CA GOVT § 89502 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Annotated California Codes Government Code (Refs & Annos) Title 9. Political Reform (Refs & Annos) Chapter 9.5. Ethics (Refs & Annos) Article 1. Honoraria (Refs & Annos) West's Ann.Cal.Gov.Code § 89502 § 89502. Honoraria prohibitions; scope Currentness (a) An elected state officer, elected officer of a local government agency, or other individual specified in Section 87200 shall not accept any honorarium. (b)(1) A candidate for elective state office, for judicial office, or for elective office in a local government agency shall not accept any honorarium. A person shall be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision when the person has filed a statement of organization as a committee for election to a state or local office, a declaration of intent, or a declaration of candidacy, whichever occurs first. A person shall not be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision after the person is sworn into the elective office, or, if the person lost the election, after the person has terminated the person's campaign statement filing obligations for that office pursuant to Section 84214 or after certification of the election results, whichever is earlier. (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any person who is a candidate as described in paragraph (1) for judicial office on or before December 31, 1996. (c) A member of a state board or commission or designated employee of a state or local government agency shall not accept an honorarium from any source if the member or employee would be required to report the receipt of income or gifts from that source on the member's or employee's statement of economic interests. (d) This section does not apply to a person in the person's capacity as judge. This section does not apply to a person in the person's capacity as a part-time member of the governing board of any public institution of higher education unless that position is an elective office. Credits (Added by Stats.1995, c. 690 (S.B.701), § 4. Amended by Stats.1996, c. 1056 (S.B.1697), § 1; Stats.2021, c. 50 (A.B.378), § 224, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.) West's Ann. Cal. Gov. Code § 89502, CA GOVT § 89502 Current with urgency legislation through Ch. 1 of 2025 Reg.Sess. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 69 § 89503. Gifts from single source within calendar year; value;..., CA GOVT § 89503 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Annotated California Codes Government Code (Refs & Annos) Title 9. Political Reform (Refs & Annos) Chapter 9.5. Ethics (Refs & Annos) Article 2. Gifts (Refs & Annos) West's Ann.Cal.Gov.Code § 89503 § 89503. Gifts from single source within calendar year; value; scope of prohibition Currentness (a) An elected state officer, elected officer of a local government agency, or other individual specified in Section 87200 shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). (b)(1) A candidate for elective state office, for judicial office, or for elective office in a local government agency shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). A person shall be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision when the person has filed a statement of organization as a committee for election to a state or local office, a declaration of intent, or a declaration of candidacy, whichever occurs first. A person shall not be deemed a candidate for purposes of this subdivision after the person is sworn into the elective office, or, if the person lost the election, after the person has terminated the person's campaign statement filing obligations for that office pursuant to Section 84214 or after certification of the election results, whichever is earlier. (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any person who is a candidate as described in paragraph (1) for judicial office on or before December 31, 1996. (c) A member of a state board or commission or designated employee of a state or local government agency shall not accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with a total value of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) if the member or employee would be required to report the receipt of income or gifts from that source on the member's statement of economic interests. (d) This section does not apply to a person in the person's capacity as judge. This section does not apply to a person in the person's capacity as a part-time member of the governing board of any public institution of higher education unless that position is an elective office. (e) This section does not prohibit or limit the following: (1) Payments, advances, or reimbursements for travel and related lodging and subsistence permitted by Section 89506. 70 § 89503. Gifts from single source within calendar year; value;..., CA GOVT § 89503 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (2) Wedding gifts and gifts exchanged between individuals on birthdays, holidays, and other similar occasions, provided that the gifts exchanged are not substantially disproportionate in value. (f) Beginning on January 1, 1993, the commission shall adjust the gift limitation in this section on January 1 of each odd-numbered year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest ten dollars ($10). (g) The limitations in this section are in addition to the limitations on gifts in Section 86203. Credits (Added by Stats.1995, c. 690 (S.B.701), § 6. Amended by Stats.1996, c. 1056 (S.B.1697), § 2; Stats.2021, c. 50 (A.B.378), § 225, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.) Notes of Decisions (1) West's Ann. Cal. Gov. Code § 89503, CA GOVT § 89503 Current with urgency legislation through Ch. 1 of 2025 Reg.Sess. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 71 430/10-15. Gift ban; exceptions, IL ST CH 5 § 430/10-15 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Smith-Hurd Illinois Compiled Statutes Annotated Chapter 5. General Provisions Governmental Ethics Act 430. State Officials and Employees Ethics Act Article 10. Gift Ban 5 ILCS 430/10-15 430/10-15. Gift ban; exceptions Currentness § 10-15. Gift ban; exceptions. The restriction in Section 10-10 does not apply to the following: (1) Opportunities, benefits, and services that are available on the same conditions as for the general public. (2) Anything for which the officer, member, or State employee pays the market value. (3) Any (i) contribution that is lawfully made under the Election Code or under this Act or (ii) activities associated with a fundraising event in support of a political organization or candidate. (4) Educational materials and missions. This exception may be further defined by rules adopted by the appropriate ethics commission or by the Auditor General for the Auditor General and employees of the Office of the Auditor General. (5) Travel expenses for a meeting to discuss State business. This exception may be further defined by rules adopted by the appropriate ethics commission or by the Auditor General for the Auditor General and employees of the Office of the Auditor General. (6) A gift from a relative, meaning those people related to the individual as father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, great aunt, great uncle, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, and including the father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother of the individual's spouse and the individual's fiance or fiancee. (7) Anything provided by an individual on the basis of a personal friendship unless the member, officer, or employee has reason to believe that, under the circumstances, the gift was provided because of the official position or employment of the member, officer, or employee and not because of the personal friendship. In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of personal friendship, the member, officer, or employee shall consider the circumstances under which the gift was offered, such as: 72 430/10-15. Gift ban; exceptions, IL ST CH 5 § 430/10-15 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (i) the history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the recipient of the gift, including any previous exchange of gifts between those individuals; (ii) whether to the actual knowledge of the member, officer, or employee the individual who gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the gift; and (iii) whether to the actual knowledge of the member, officer, or employee the individual who gave the gift also at the same time gave the same or similar gifts to other members, officers, or employees. (8) Food or refreshments not exceeding $75 per person in value on a single calendar day; provided that the food or refreshments are (i) consumed on the premises from which they were purchased or prepared or (ii) catered. For the purposes of this Section, “catered” means food or refreshments that are purchased ready to eat and delivered by any means. (9) Food, refreshments, lodging, transportation, and other benefits resulting from the outside business or employment activities (or outside activities that are not connected to the duties of the officer, member, or employee as an office holder or employee) of the officer, member, or employee, or the spouse of the officer, member, or employee, if the benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the official position or employment of the officer, member, or employee, and are customarily provided to others in similar circumstances. (10) Intra-governmental and inter-governmental gifts. For the purpose of this Act, “intra-governmental gift” means any gift given to a member, officer, or employee of a State agency from another member, officer, or employee of the same State agency; and “inter-governmental gift” means any gift given to a member, officer, or employee of a State agency, by a member, officer, or employee of another State agency, of a federal agency, or of any governmental entity. (11) Bequests, inheritances, and other transfers at death. (12) Any item or items from any one prohibited source during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100. Each of the exceptions listed in this Section is mutually exclusive and independent of one another. Credits P.A. 93-615, Art. 10, § 10-15, added by P.A. 93-617, § 5, eff. Dec. 9, 2003. 5 I.L.C.S. 430/10-15, IL ST CH 5 § 430/10-15 Current through P.A. 103-1082 of the 2024 Reg. Sess. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 73 § 1115.1. Limitation on food, drink, and refreshment, LA R.S. 42:1115.1 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Louisiana Statutes Annotated Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 42. Public Officers and Employees Chapter 15. Code of Governmental Ethics (Refs & Annos) Part II. Ethical Standards for Public Servants LSA-R.S. 42:1115.1 § 1115.1. Limitation on food, drink, and refreshment Currentness A. No person from whom a public servant is prohibited by R.S. 42:1111 or 1115(A) from receiving a thing of economic value shall give to such a public servant any food, drink, or refreshment the total value of which exceeds fifty dollars for a single event at which food, drink, or refreshment is given. The total value of the food, drink, or refreshment given to a public servant at any single event shall not exceed fifty dollars regardless of the number of persons subject to the provisions of this Subsection giving food, drink, or refreshment to the public servant at the single event. B. No person from whom a public employee is prohibited by R.S. 42:1111 or 1115(B) from receiving a thing of economic value shall give to such a public employee any food, drink, or refreshment the total value of which exceeds fifty dollars for a single event at which food, drink, or refreshment is given. The total value of the food, drink, or refreshment given to a public employee at any single event shall not exceed fifty dollars regardless of the number of persons subject to the provisions of this Subsection giving food, drink, or refreshment to the public employee at the single event. C. Beginning on July 1, 2009, and on July first of each year thereafter, when there has been an increase in the unadjusted Consumer Price Index (CPI-U)(Food and Beverage) as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics in January each year, the limit of fifty dollars for food, drink or refreshments provided in Subsections A and B of this Section shall be increased by the same percentage as the percentage by which that price index is increased. The amount of the increase shall be rounded off to the nearest dollar. The food, drink, or refreshment limit shall be adjusted by the Board of Ethics according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U)(Food and Beverage) and adopted and promulgated as a rule or regulation by the board in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 42:1134(A). D. For purposes of this Section, at an event to which a group or organization of public servants is invited and at which food, drink, or refreshment is given, the value of the food, drink, or refreshment provided to a public servant shall be determined by dividing the total cost of the food, drink, and refreshment provided at the event by the total number of persons invited, whether formally or informally, and which is communicated in any manner or form, to the event. E. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any of the following: 74 § 1115.1. Limitation on food, drink, and refreshment, LA R.S. 42:1115.1 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (1) A gathering held in conjunction with a meeting related to a national or regional organization or a meeting of a statewide organization of governmental officials or employees provided that at least ten persons associated with the organization are invited to the gathering. (2) The participation of a public servant of a post-secondary education institution at an event held for the purpose of soliciting donations or contributions of private funds for the benefit of that public servant's agency. F. For purposes of this Section, the following terms and phrases shall have the following meanings: (1) “Event” means a single activity, occasion, reception, meal, or meeting at a given place and time. (2) “Gathering held in conjunction with a meeting related to a national or regional organization or a meeting of a statewide organization of governmental officials or employees” means but shall not be limited to any of the following: (a) An event held during the same time period and in the same general locale as a meeting of such an organization and to which some persons associated with the organization are invited. (b) An event that is part of the scheduled activities at a meeting of such an organization and that is open to persons attending the meeting. Credits Added by Acts 2008, 1st Ex.Sess., No. 9, § 1, eff. March 30, 2008. Amended by Acts 2008, No. 514, § 1, eff. June 30, 2008; Acts 2009, No. 534, § 2, eff. July 16, 2009. Editors' Notes APPLICATION--ACTS 2009, NO. 534 <Section 4 of Acts 2009, No. 534 (§ 2 of which amended par. (E)(1) and subsec. F of this section) provides:> <“Section 4. The provisions of R.S. 24:55(E)(2)(b) as provided in Section 1 of this Act, the provisions of Section 2 of this Act, and the provisions of R.S. 49:76(E)(2)(b) as provided in Section 3 of this Act are hereby declared to be remedial, curative, interpretive, and procedural and therefore are to be applied retroactively as well as prospectively.”> APPLICATION--ACTS 2008, NO. 514 <Section 5 of Acts 2008, No. 514 (§ 1 of which amended this section) provides:> <“Section 5. Sections 1 and 4 of this Act are declared to be remedial, curative, and procedural and therefore are to be applied retroactively as well as prospectively.”> 75 § 1115.1. Limitation on food, drink, and refreshment, LA R.S. 42:1115.1 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.3 LSA-R.S. 42:1115.1, LA R.S. 42:1115.1 The Constitution, Revised Statutes and Codes are current through the 2024 First Extraordinary, Second Extraordinary, Regular, and Third Extraordinary Sessions. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 76 § 1115.2. Admission to events; lodging; travel, LA R.S. 42:1115.2 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Louisiana Statutes Annotated Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 42. Public Officers and Employees Chapter 15. Code of Governmental Ethics (Refs & Annos) Part II. Ethical Standards for Public Servants LSA-R.S. 42:1115.2 § 1115.2. Admission to events; lodging; travel Currentness A. The provisions of R.S. 42:1111 or 1115 shall not preclude the acceptance by a public servant of complimentary admission, lodging, and reasonable transportation, or reimbursement for such expenses, if the agency head of the public servant's agency certifies each of the following: (1) The public servant's acceptance of complimentary admission, lodging, and reasonable transportation, or reimbursement for such expenses, is either of direct benefit to the agency or will enhance the knowledge or skill of the public servant as it relates to the performance of his public service. (2) The agency head approved the public servant's acceptance of complimentary admission, lodging, and reasonable transportation, or reimbursement for such expenses, prior to acceptance. B. (1) Any public servant who accepts complimentary admission, lodging, or transportation, or reimbursement for such expenses, shall file with the Board of Ethics, within sixty days after such acceptance, a certification, on a form designed by the board, disclosing all of the following: (a) The date and location of complimentary admission, lodging, or transportation and a brief description of its purpose. (b) The name of the person who gave, provided, paid for, or reimbursed in whole or in part the admission, lodging, or transportation. (c) The amount expended on his behalf or reimbursed by the person for admission, lodging, and transportation. (2) The certification required by this Subsection shall include the certifications of the agency head required by Subsection A of this Section. Credits Added by Acts 2018, No. 200, § 1. 77 § 1115.2. Admission to events; lodging; travel, LA R.S. 42:1115.2 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 Notes of Decisions (1) LSA-R.S. 42:1115.2, LA R.S. 42:1115.2 The Constitution, Revised Statutes and Codes are current through the 2024 First Extraordinary, Second Extraordinary, Regular, and Third Extraordinary Sessions. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 78 § 5-505. Gifts or honoraria, MD GEN PROVIS § 5-505 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Annotated Code of Maryland General Provisions (Refs & Annos) Title 5. Maryland Public Ethics Law (Refs & Annos) Subtitle 5. Conflicts of Interest (Refs & Annos) Part I. General Provisions (Refs & Annos) MD Code, General Provisions, § 5-505 Formerly cited as MD CODE, SG, § 15-505 § 5-505. Gifts or honoraria Currentness Gift solicitation prohibited (a)(1) An official or employee may not solicit any gift. (2) An official may not directly solicit or facilitate the solicitation of a gift, on behalf of another person, from an individual regulated lobbyist described in § 5-702(a)(1) of this title. Gift acceptance prohibited (b)(1) In this subsection, “entity” does not include a governmental unit. (2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an official or employee may not knowingly accept a gift, directly or indirectly, from an entity that the official or employee knows or has reason to know: (i) does or seeks to do any business of any kind, regardless of amount, with the official's or employee's governmental unit; (ii) engages in an activity that is regulated or controlled by the official's or employee's governmental unit; (iii) has a financial interest that may be affected substantially and materially, in a manner distinguishable from the public generally, by the performance or nonperformance of the official's or employee's official duties; (iv) is a regulated lobbyist with respect to matters within the jurisdiction of the official or employee; or (v) is an association, or any entity acting on behalf of an association, that is engaged only in representing counties or municipal corporations. Exceptions 79 § 5-505. Gifts or honoraria, MD GEN PROVIS § 5-505 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (c)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, an official or employee may accept a gift listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection unless: (i) the gift would tend to impair the impartiality and independent judgment of the official or employee; or (ii) as to a gift of significant value: 1. the gift would give the appearance of impairing the impartiality and independent judgment of the official or employee; or 2. the official or employee believes or has reason to believe that the gift is designed to impair the impartiality and independent judgment of the official or employee. (2) Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, subsection (b) of this section does not apply to: (i) 1. except for officials of the Legislative Branch, meals or beverages received and consumed by the official or employee in the presence of the donor or sponsoring entity; 2. for officials of the Legislative Branch, food or beverages received and consumed by the official in the presence of the donor or sponsoring entity as part of a meal or reception to which all members of a legislative unit were invited; 3. for a member of the General Assembly, food or beverages received from a donor or sponsoring entity, other than an individual regulated lobbyist described in § 5-701(a)(1) of this title, during a period when the General Assembly is not in session, at a location that is within a county that contains the member's district, provided that the donor or sponsoring entity is located within a county that contains the member's district; or 4. for a member of the General Assembly, food or beverages received at the time and geographic location of a meeting of a legislative organization for which the member's presiding officer has approved the member's attendance at State expense; (ii) ceremonial gifts or awards of insignificant monetary value; (iii) except for a State official of the Executive Branch or Legislative Branch, unsolicited gifts of nominal value; (iv) for a State official of the Executive Branch or Legislative Branch, unsolicited gifts from a regulated lobbyist that are not meals or alcoholic beverages and that do not exceed $20 in cost; 80 § 5-505. Gifts or honoraria, MD GEN PROVIS § 5-505 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.3 (v) trivial gifts of informational value; (vi) in return for participation on a panel or a speaking engagement at a meeting, reasonable expenses for food, travel, lodging, or scheduled entertainment of the official or employee if the expenses are associated with the meeting, except that, if such expenses for a State official of the Legislative Branch or Executive Branch are to be paid by a regulated lobbyist and are anticipated to exceed $500, the official shall notify the appropriate advisory body before attending the meeting; (vii) for a member of the General Assembly, reasonable expenses for food, travel, lodging, or scheduled entertainment to attend a legislative conference that has been approved by the member's presiding officer; (viii) tickets or free admission extended to an elected constitutional officer from the person sponsoring or conducting the event, as a courtesy or ceremony to the office, to attend a charitable, cultural, or political event; (ix) a specific gift or class of gifts exempted from subsection (b) of this section by the Ethics Commission on a written finding that: 1. acceptance of the gift or class of gifts would not be detrimental to the impartial conduct of government; and 2. the gift is purely personal and private in nature; (x) a gift from: 1. an individual related to the official or employee by blood or marriage; or 2. any other individual who is a member of the household of the official or employee; or (xi) to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this section, honoraria. Honoraria (d)(1) Except as provided in subsection (c)(2)(vi) of this section, a member or member-elect of the General Assembly may not accept an honorarium. (2) Subject to subsection (c)(1) of this section, an official or employee who is not a member or member-elect of the General Assembly may accept an honorarium if: 81 § 5-505. Gifts or honoraria, MD GEN PROVIS § 5-505 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.4 (i) the honorarium is limited to reasonable expenses for the official's meals, travel, and lodging, and reasonable and verifiable expenses for care of a child or dependent adult, that are actually incurred; (ii) the honorarium consists of gifts described in subsection (c)(2)(ii) through (iv) of this section; or (iii) the official or employee is a faculty member of a State institution of higher education who does not hold another position as an official that precludes receiving the honorarium. (3) Other than as allowed by paragraph (2) of this subsection, an honorarium may not be accepted, even if allowed by subsection (c)(1) of this section, if: (i) the payor of the honorarium has an interest that may be affected substantially and materially, in a manner distinguishable from the public generally, by the performance or nonperformance of the official's or employee's official duties; and (ii) the offering of the honorarium is related in any way to the official's or employee's official position. Gifts prohibited under State Finance and Procurement Article (e) An official or employee may not accept a gift that is prohibited under § 13-211 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. Further exemptions (f) By regulation, the Ethics Commission may define further exemptions from this section as may be necessary. Credits Added by Acts 2014, c. 94, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2014. Amended by Acts 2018, c. 12, § 1, eff. April 5, 2018; Acts 2021, c. 253, § 1, eff. June 1, 2021; Acts 2021, c. 254, § 1, eff. June 1, 2021. Editors' Notes LEGISLATIVE NOTES Revisor's Note (Acts 2014, c. 94): This section is new language derived without substantive change from former SG § 15-505. Subsection (b)(1) of this section is new language codifying the consistent interpretation, by the State Ethics Commission and the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, of the gift section of the Ethics Law. 82 § 5-505. Gifts or honoraria, MD GEN PROVIS § 5-505 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.5 In subsection (d)(1) of this section, the reference to a “member or member-elect of the General Assembly” is substituted for the former reference to a “State official of the Legislative Branch” for clarity. In the introductory language of subsection (d)(2) of this section, the reference to an official or employee “who is not a member or member-elect of the General Assembly” is substituted for the former phrase “[e]xcept as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection” for clarity. Defined terms: “Advisory body” § 5-101 “County” § 1-107 “Employee” § 5-101 “Entity” § 5-101 “Ethics Commission” § 5-101 “Financial interest” § 5-101 “General Assembly” § 5-101 “Gift” § 5-101 “Governmental unit” § 5-101 “Honorarium” § 5-101 “Interest” § 5-101 “Legislative unit” § 5-101 “Member of household” § 5-101 “Official” § 5-101 “Person” § 1-114 “Regulated lobbyist” § 5-101 “State” § 1-115 “State official” § 5-101 MD Code, General Provisions, § 5-505, MD GEN PROVIS § 5-505 Current through all legislation from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 83 § 138A-32. Gifts, NC ST § 138A-32 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's North Carolina General Statutes Annotated Chapter 138A. State Government Ethics Act Article 4. Ethical Standards for Covered Persons N.C.G.S.A. § 138A-32 Formerly cited as NC ST § 163A-212 § 138A-32. Gifts Currentness (a) A covered person or a legislative employee shall not knowingly, directly or indirectly, ask, accept, demand, exact, solicit, seek, assign, receive, or agree to receive anything of value for the covered person or legislative employee, or for another person, in return for being influenced in the discharge of the covered person's or legislative employee's official responsibilities, other than that which is received by the covered person or the legislative employee from the State for acting in the covered person's or legislative employee's official capacity. (b) A covered person may not solicit for a charitable purpose any thing of monetary value from any subordinate State employee. This subsection shall not apply to generic written solicitations to all members of a class of subordinates. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a covered person from serving as the honorary head of the State Employees Combined Campaign. (c) No public servant, legislator, or legislative employee shall knowingly accept a gift from a lobbyist or lobbyist principal registered under Chapter 120C of the General Statutes. No legislator or legislative employee shall knowingly accept a gift from liaison personnel designated under Chapter 120C of the General Statutes. No public servant, legislator, or legislative employee shall accept a gift knowing all of the following: (1) The gift was obtained indirectly from a lobbyist, lobbyist principal, or liaison personnel registered under Chapter 120C of the General Statutes. (2) The lobbyist, lobbyist principal, or liaison personnel registered under Chapter 120C of the General Statutes intended for an ultimate recipient of the gift to be a public servant, legislator, or legislative employee as provided in G.S. 120C-303. (d) No public servant shall knowingly accept a gift from a person whom the public servant knows or has reason to know any of the following: (1) Is doing or is seeking to do business of any kind with the public servant's employing entity. (2) Is engaged in activities that are regulated or controlled by the public servant's employing entity. 84 § 138A-32. Gifts, NC ST § 138A-32 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (3) Has financial interests that may be substantially and materially affected, in a manner distinguishable from the public generally, by the performance or nonperformance of the public servant's official duties. (e) No public servant shall accept a gift knowing all of the following: (1) The gift was obtained indirectly from a person described under subdivision (d)(1), (2), or (3) of this section. (2) The person described under subdivision (d)(1), (2), or (3) of this section intended for an ultimate recipient of the gift to be a public servant. (f) Subsections (c), (d), and (e) of this section shall not apply to any of the following: (1) Food and beverages for immediate consumption in connection with any of the following: a. An open meeting of a public body, provided that the open meeting is properly noticed under Article 33C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. b. A gathering of a person or governmental unit with at least 10 or more individuals in attendance open to the general public, provided that a sign or other communication containing a message that is reasonably designed to convey to the general public that the gathering is open to the general public is displayed at the gathering. c. A gathering of a person or governmental unit to which the entire board of which a public servant is a member, at least 10 public servants, all the members of the House of Representatives, all the members of the Senate, all the members of a county or municipal legislative delegation, all the members of a recognized legislative caucus with regular meetings other than meetings with one or more lobbyists, all the members of a committee, a standing subcommittee, a joint committee or joint commission of the House of Representatives, the Senate, or the General Assembly, or all legislative employees are invited, and one of the following applies: 1. At least 10 individuals associated with the person or governmental unit actually attend, other than the covered person or legislative employee, or the immediate family of the covered person or legislative employee. 2. All shareholders, employees, board members, officers, members, or subscribers of the person or governmental unit located in North Carolina are notified and invited to attend. For purposes of this sub-subdivision only, the term “invited” shall mean written notice from at least one host or sponsor of the gathering containing the date, time, and location of the gathering given at least 24 hours in advance of the gathering to the specific qualifying group listed in this sub-subdivision. If it 85 § 138A-32. Gifts, NC ST § 138A-32 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.3 is known at the time of the written notice that at least one sponsor is a lobbyist or lobbyist principal, the written notice shall also state whether or not the gathering is permitted under this section. (2) Informational materials relevant to the duties of the covered person or legislative employee. (3) Reasonable actual expenditures of the legislator, public servant, or legislative employee for food, beverages, registration, travel, lodging, other incidental items of nominal value, and entertainment, in connection with (i) a legislator's, public servant's, or legislative employee's attendance at an educational meeting for purposes primarily related to the public duties and responsibilities of the legislator, public servant, or legislative employee; (ii) a legislator's, public servant's, or legislative employee's participation as a speaker or member of a panel at a meeting; (iii) a legislator's or legislative employee's attendance and participation in meetings of a nonpartisan state, regional, national, or international legislative organization of which the General Assembly is a member or that the legislator or legislative employee is a member or participant of by virtue of that legislator's or legislative employee's public position, or as a member of a board, agency, or committee of such organization; or (iv) a public servant's attendance and participation in meetings as a member of a board, agency, or committee of a nonpartisan state, regional, national, or international organization of which the public servant's agency is a member or the public servant is a member by virtue of that public servant's public position, provided the following conditions are met: a. The reasonable actual expenditures shall be made by a lobbyist principal, and not a lobbyist. b. Any meeting must be attended by at least 10 or more participants, have a formal agenda, and notice of the meeting has been given at least 10 days in advance. c. Any food, beverages, transportation, or entertainment must be provided to all attendees or defined groups of 10 or more attendees as part of the meeting or in conjunction with the meeting. d. Any entertainment must be incidental to the principal agenda of the meeting. e. If the legislator, public servant, or legislative employee is participating as a speaker or member of a panel, then that legislator, public servant, or legislative employee must be a bona fide speaker or participant. (4) A plaque or similar nonmonetary memento recognizing individual services in a field or specialty or to a charitable cause. (5) Gifts accepted on behalf of the State for use by the State or for the benefit of the State. (6) Anything generally made available or distributed to the general public or all other State employees by lobbyists or lobbyist principals, or persons described in subdivisions (d)(1), (2), or (3) of this section. 86 § 138A-32. Gifts, NC ST § 138A-32 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.4 (7) Gifts from the covered person's or legislative employee's extended family, or a member of the same household of the covered person or legislative employee. (8) Gifts given to a public servant not otherwise subject to an exception under this subsection, where the gift is food and beverages, transportation, lodging, entertainment or related expenses associated with the public business of industry recruitment, promotion of international trade, or the promotion of travel and tourism, and the public servant is responsible for conducting the business on behalf of the State, provided all the following conditions apply: a. The public servant did not solicit the gift, and the public servant did not accept the gift in exchange for the performance of the public servant's official duties. b. The public servant reports electronically to the Commission within 30 days of receipt of the gift or of the date set for disclosure of public records under G.S. 132-6(d), if applicable. The report shall include a description and value of the gift and a description how the gift contributed to the public business of industry recruitment, promotion of international trade, or the promotion of travel and tourism. This report shall be posted to the Commission’s public Web site. c. A tangible gift, other than food or beverages, not otherwise subject to an exception under this subsection shall be turned over as State property to the Department of Commerce within 30 days of receipt, except as permitted under subsection (g) of this section. (9) Gifts of personal property valued at less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) given to a public servant in the commission of the public servant's official duties if the gift is given to the public servant as a personal gift in another country as part of an overseas trade mission, and the giving and receiving of such personal gifts is considered a customary protocol in the other country. (10) Gifts given or received as part of a business, civic, religious, fraternal, personal, or commercial relationship provided all of the following conditions are met: a. The relationship is not related to the public servant's, legislator's, or legislative employee's public service or position. b. The gift is made under circumstances that a reasonable person would conclude that the gift was not given to lobby. (11) Food and beverages for immediate consumption and related transportation provided all of the following conditions are met: a. The food, beverage, or transportation is given by a lobbyist principal and not a lobbyist. 87 § 138A-32. Gifts, NC ST § 138A-32 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.5 b. The food, beverage, or transportation is provided during a conference, meeting, or similar event and is available to all attendees of the same class as the recipient. c. The recipient of the food, beverage, or transportation is a director, officer, governing board member, employee, or independent contractor of one of the following: 1. The lobbyist principal giving the food, beverage, or transportation. 2. A third party that received the funds to purchase the food, beverages, or transportation. (12) Food and beverages for immediate consumption at an organized gathering of a person, the State, or a governmental unit to which a public servant is invited to attend for purposes primarily related to the public servant's public service or position, and to which at least 10 individuals, other than the public servant, or the public servant's immediate family, actually attend, or to which all shareholders, employees, board members, officers, members, or subscribers of the person or governmental unit who are located in a specific North Carolina office or county are notified and invited to attend. (g) A prohibited gift that would constitute an expense appropriate for reimbursement by the public servant's employing entity if it had been incurred by the public servant personally shall be considered a gift accepted by or donated to the State, provided the public servant has been approved by the public servant's employing entity to accept or receive such things of value on behalf of the State. The fact that the employing entity's reimbursement rate for the type of expense is less than the value of a particular gift shall not render the gift prohibited. (h) A prohibited gift shall be, and a permissible gift may be, promptly declined, returned, paid for at fair market value, or donated to charity or the State. (i) A covered person or legislative employee shall not accept an honorarium from a source other than the employing entity for conducting any activity where any of the following apply: (1) The employing entity reimburses the covered person or legislative employee for travel, subsistence, and registration expenses. (2) The employing entity's work time or resources are used. (3) The activity would be considered official duty or would bear a reasonably close relationship to the covered person's or legislative employee's official duties. An outside source may reimburse the employing entity for actual expenses incurred by a covered person or legislative employee in conducting an activity within the duties of the covered person or legislative employee, or may pay a fee to the employing entity, in lieu of an honorarium, for the services of the covered person or 88 § 138A-32. Gifts, NC ST § 138A-32 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.6 legislative employee. An honorarium permissible under this subsection shall not be considered a gift for purposes of subsection (c) of this section. (j) Acceptance or solicitation of a gift in compliance with this section without corrupt intent shall not constitute a violation of the statutes related to bribery under G.S. 14-217, 14-218, or 120-86. Credits Added by S.L. 2006-201, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2006. Amended by S.L. 2007-347, § 11, eff. Aug. 9, 2007; S.L. 2007-348, § 15(b), eff. Oct. 1, 2007; S.L. 2007-348, §§ 35 to 38, eff. Aug. 9, 2007; S.L. 2007-348, §§ 39 to 41(a), eff. Jan. 1, 2007; S.L. 2008-213, §§ 77(a), 78(a), eff. Dec. 1, 2008; S.L. 2008-213, §§ 79 to 82, 90, eff. Aug. 15, 2008; S.L. 2009-549, § 17, eff. Aug. 28, 2009; S.L. 2010-169, §§ 15(b), (c), eff. Dec. 1, 2010; S.L. 2010-169, § 17(r), eff. Jan. 1, 2011 Recodified from § 138A-32 by S.L. 2017-6, § 3, eff. May 1, 2017. Re-recodified from § 163A-212 by S.L. 2018-146, §§ 3.1(a), (b), eff. Jan. 31, 2019. N.C.G.S.A. § 138A-32, NC ST § 138A-32 The statutes and Constitution are current through the end of the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly, subject to changes made pursuant to direction of the Revisor of Statutes. Some statute sections may be more current; see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 89 102.03 Restrictions during and after employment; bribery..., OH ST § 102.03 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 Baldwin's Ohio Revised Code Annotated Title I. State Government Chapter 102. Public Officers--Ethics (Refs & Annos) General Provisions R.C. § 102.03 102.03 Restrictions during and after employment; bribery prohibited; honorarium for personal appearance; reimbursement for travel expenses; membership in organizations; activities related to gaming Currentness (A)(1) No present or former public official or employee shall, during public employment or service or for twelve months thereafter, represent a client or act in a representative capacity for any person on any matter in which the public official or employee personally participated as a public official or employee through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or other substantial exercise of administrative discretion. (2) For twenty-four months after the conclusion of service, no former commissioner or attorney examiner of the public utilities commission shall represent a public utility, as defined in section 4905.02 of the Revised Code, or act in a representative capacity on behalf of such a utility before any state board, commission, or agency. (3) For twenty-four months after the conclusion of employment or service, no former public official or employee who personally participated as a public official or employee through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, the development or adoption of solid waste management plans, investigation, inspection, or other substantial exercise of administrative discretion under Chapter 343. or 3734. of the Revised Code shall represent a person who is the owner or operator of a facility, as defined in section 3734.01 of the Revised Code, or who is an applicant for a permit or license for a facility under that chapter, on any matter in which the public official or employee personally participated as a public official or employee. (4) For a period of one year after the conclusion of employment or service as a member or employee of the general assembly, no former member or employee of the general assembly shall represent, or act in a representative capacity for, any person on any matter before the general assembly, any committee of the general assembly, or the controlling board. Division (A)(4) of this section does not apply to or affect a person who separates from service with the general assembly on or before December 31, 1995. As used in division (A)(4) of this section “person” does not include any state agency or political subdivision of the state. (5) As used in divisions (A)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, “matter” includes any case, proceeding, application, determination, issue, or question, but does not include the proposal, consideration, or enactment of statutes, rules, ordinances, resolutions, or charter or constitutional amendments. As used in division (A)(4) of this section, “matter” includes the proposal, consideration, or enactment of statutes, resolutions, or constitutional amendments. As used in division (A) of this section, “represent” includes any formal or informal appearance before, or any written or oral communication with, any public agency on behalf of any person. 90 102.03 Restrictions during and after employment; bribery..., OH ST § 102.03 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (6) Nothing contained in division (A) of this section shall prohibit, during such period, a former public official or employee from being retained or employed to represent, assist, or act in a representative capacity for the public agency by which the public official or employee was employed or on which the public official or employee served. (7) Division (A) of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the performance of ministerial functions, including, but not limited to, the filing or amendment of tax returns, applications for permits and licenses, incorporation papers, and other similar documents. (8) Division (A) of this section does not prohibit a nonelected public official or employee of a state agency, as defined in section 1.60 of the Revised Code, from becoming a public official or employee of another state agency. Division (A) of this section does not prohibit such an official or employee from representing or acting in a representative capacity for the official's or employee's new state agency on any matter in which the public official or employee personally participated as a public official or employee at the official's or employee's former state agency. However, no public official or employee of a state agency shall, during public employment or for twelve months thereafter, represent or act in a representative capacity for the official's or employee's new state agency on any audit or investigation pertaining to the official's or employee's new state agency in which the public official or employee personally participated at the official's or employee's former state agency through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or other substantial exercise of administrative discretion. (9) Division (A) of this section does not prohibit a nonelected public official or employee of a political subdivision from becoming a public official or employee of a different department, division, agency, office, or unit of the same political subdivision. Division (A) of this section does not prohibit such an official or employee from representing or acting in a representative capacity for the official's or employee's new department, division, agency, office, or unit on any matter in which the public official or employee personally participated as a public official or employee at the official's or employee's former department, division, agency, office, or unit of the same political subdivision. As used in this division, “political subdivision” means a county, township, municipal corporation, or any other body corporate and politic that is responsible for government activities in a geographic area smaller than that of the state. (10) No present or former Ohio casino control commission official shall, during public service or for two years thereafter, represent a client, be employed or compensated by a person regulated by the commission, or act in a representative capacity for any person on any matter before or concerning the commission. No present or former commission employee shall, during public employment or for two years thereafter, represent a client or act in a representative capacity on any matter in which the employee personally participated as a commission employee through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or other substantial exercise of administrative discretion. (B) No present or former public official or employee shall disclose or use, without appropriate authorization, any information acquired by the public official or employee in the course of the public official's or employee's official duties that is confidential because of statutory provisions, or that has been clearly designated to the public official or employee as confidential when that confidential designation is warranted because of the status of the proceedings or the circumstances under which the information was received and preserving its confidentiality is necessary to the proper conduct of government business. 91 102.03 Restrictions during and after employment; bribery..., OH ST § 102.03 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.3 (C) No public official or employee shall participate within the scope of duties as a public official or employee, except through ministerial functions as defined in division (A) of this section, in any license or rate-making proceeding that directly affects the license or rates of any person, partnership, trust, business trust, corporation, or association in which the public official or employee or immediate family owns or controls more than five per cent. No public official or employee shall participate within the scope of duties as a public official or employee, except through ministerial functions as defined in division (A) of this section, in any license or rate-making proceeding that directly affects the license or rates of any person to whom the public official or employee or immediate family, or a partnership, trust, business trust, corporation, or association of which the public official or employee or the public official's or employee's immediate family owns or controls more than five per cent, has sold goods or services totaling more than one thousand dollars during the preceding year, unless the public official or employee has filed a written statement acknowledging that sale with the clerk or secretary of the public agency and the statement is entered in any public record of the agency's proceedings. This division shall not be construed to require the disclosure of clients of attorneys or persons licensed under section 4732.12 of the Revised Code, or patients of persons licensed under section 4731.14 of the Revised Code. (D) No public official or employee shall use or authorize the use of the authority or influence of office or employment to secure anything of value or the promise or offer of anything of value that is of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence upon the public official or employee with respect to that person's duties. (E) No public official or employee shall solicit or accept anything of value that is of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence upon the public official or employee with respect to that person's duties. (F) No person shall promise or give to a public official or employee anything of value that is of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence upon the public official or employee with respect to that person's duties. (G) In the absence of bribery or another offense under the Revised Code or a purpose to defraud, contributions made to a campaign committee, political party, legislative campaign fund, political action committee, or political contributing entity on behalf of an elected public officer or other public official or employee who seeks elective office shall be considered to accrue ordinarily to the public official or employee for the purposes of divisions (D), (E), and (F) of this section. As used in this division, “contributions,” “campaign committee,” “political party,” “legislative campaign fund,” “political action committee,” and “political contributing entity” have the same meanings as in section 3517.01 of the Revised Code. (H)(1) No public official or employee, except for the president or other chief administrative officer of or a member of a board of trustees of a state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, who is required to file a financial disclosure statement under section 102.02 of the Revised Code shall solicit or accept, and no person shall give to that public official or employee, an honorarium. Except as provided in division (H)(2) of this section, this division and divisions (D), (E), and (F) of this section do not prohibit a public official or employee who is required to file a financial disclosure statement under section 102.02 of the Revised Code from accepting and do not prohibit a person from giving to that public official or employee the 92 102.03 Restrictions during and after employment; bribery..., OH ST § 102.03 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.4 payment of actual travel expenses, including any expenses incurred in connection with the travel for lodging, and meals, food, and beverages provided to the public official or employee at a meeting at which the public official or employee participates in a panel, seminar, or speaking engagement or provided to the public official or employee at a meeting or convention of a national organization to which any state agency, including, but not limited to, any state legislative agency or state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, pays membership dues. Except as provided in division (H)(2) of this section, this division and divisions (D), (E), and (F) of this section do not prohibit a public official or employee who is not required to file a financial disclosure statement under section 102.02 of the Revised Code from accepting and do not prohibit a person from promising or giving to that public official or employee an honorarium or the payment of travel, meal, and lodging expenses if the honorarium, expenses, or both were paid in recognition of demonstrable business, professional, or esthetic interests of the public official or employee that exist apart from public office or employment, including, but not limited to, such a demonstrable interest in public speaking and were not paid by any person or other entity, or by any representative or association of those persons or entities, that is regulated by, doing business with, or seeking to do business with the department, division, institution, board, commission, authority, bureau, or other instrumentality of the governmental entity with which the public official or employee serves. (2) No person who is a member of the board of a state retirement system, a state retirement system investment officer, or an employee of a state retirement system whose position involves substantial and material exercise of discretion in the investment of retirement system funds shall solicit or accept, and no person shall give to that board member, officer, or employee, payment of actual travel expenses, including expenses incurred with the travel for lodging, meals, food, and beverages. (I) A public official or employee may accept travel, meals, and lodging or expenses or reimbursement of expenses for travel, meals, and lodging in connection with conferences, seminars, and similar events related to official duties if the travel, meals, and lodging, expenses, or reimbursement is not of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence upon the public official or employee with respect to that person's duties. The house of representatives and senate, in their code of ethics, and the Ohio ethics commission, under section 111.15 of the Revised Code, may adopt rules setting standards and conditions for the furnishing and acceptance of such travel, meals, and lodging, expenses, or reimbursement. A person who acts in compliance with this division and any applicable rules adopted under it, or any applicable, similar rules adopted by the supreme court governing judicial officers and employees, does not violate division (D), (E), or (F) of this section. This division does not preclude any person from seeking an advisory opinion from the appropriate ethics commission under section 102.08 of the Revised Code. (J) For purposes of divisions (D), (E), and (F) of this section, the membership of a public official or employee in an organization shall not be considered, in and of itself, to be of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence on the public official or employee with respect to that person's duties. As used in this division, “organization” means a church or a religious, benevolent, fraternal, or professional organization that is tax exempt under subsection 501(a) and described in subsection 501(c)(3), (4), (8), (10), or (19) of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986.” This division does not apply to a public official or employee who is an employee of an organization, serves as a trustee, director, or officer of an organization, or otherwise holds a fiduciary relationship with an organization. This division does not allow a public official or employee who is a member of an organization to participate, formally or informally, in deliberations, discussions, or voting on a matter or to use the public official's or employee's official position with regard to the interests of the organization on the matter if the public official or employee has assumed a particular responsibility in the organization with respect to the matter or if the matter would affect that person's personal, pecuniary interests. 93 102.03 Restrictions during and after employment; bribery..., OH ST § 102.03 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.5 (K) It is not a violation of this section for a prosecuting attorney to appoint assistants and employees in accordance with division (B) of section 309.06 and section 2921.421 of the Revised Code, for a chief legal officer of a municipal corporation or an official designated as prosecutor in a municipal corporation to appoint assistants and employees in accordance with sections 733.621 and 2921.421 of the Revised Code, for a township law director appointed under section 504.15 of the Revised Code to appoint assistants and employees in accordance with sections 504.151 and 2921.421 of the Revised Code, or for a coroner to appoint assistants and employees in accordance with division (B) of section 313.05 of the Revised Code. As used in this division, “chief legal officer” has the same meaning as in section 733.621 of the Revised Code. (L) No present public official or employee with a casino gaming regulatory function shall indirectly invest, by way of an entity the public official or employee has an ownership interest or control in, or directly invest in a casino operator, management company, holding company, casino facility, or gaming-related vendor. No present public official or employee with a casino gaming regulatory function shall directly or indirectly have a financial interest in, have an ownership interest in, be the creditor or hold a debt instrument issued by, or have an interest in a contractual or service relationship with a casino operator, management company, holding company, casino facility, or gaming-related vendor. This section does not prohibit or limit permitted passive investing by the public official or employee. As used in this division, “passive investing” means investment by the public official or employee by means of a mutual fund in which the public official or employee has no control of the investments or investment decisions. “Casino operator,” “holding company,” “management company,” “casino facility,” and “gaming-related vendor” have the same meanings as in section 3772.01 of the Revised Code. (M) A member of the Ohio casino control commission, the executive director of the commission, or an employee of the commission shall not: (1) Accept anything of value, including but not limited to a gift, gratuity, emolument, or employment from a casino operator, management company, or other person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission, or from an officer, attorney, agent, or employee of a casino operator, management company, or other person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission; (2) Solicit, suggest, request, or recommend, directly or indirectly, to a casino operator, management company, or other person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission, or to an officer, attorney, agent, or employee of a casino operator, management company, or other person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission, the appointment of a person to an office, place, position, or employment; (3) Participate in casino gaming or any other amusement or activity at a casino facility in this state or at an affiliate gaming facility of a licensed casino operator, wherever located. CREDIT(S) 94 102.03 Restrictions during and after employment; bribery..., OH ST § 102.03 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.6 (2022 S 288, eff. 4-4-23; 2017 H 49, eff. 9-29-17; 2013 H 83, eff. 3-20-14; 2012 S 314, eff. 9-28-12; 2010 H 519, eff. 9-10-10; 2005 S 115, eff. 4-26-05; 2004 H 1 SS, eff. 3-31-05; 2004 S 133, eff. 9-15-04; 2001 H 94, eff. 9-5-01; 1998 S 134, eff. 7-13-98; 1997 S 6, eff. 6-20-97; 1996 H 408, eff. 5-8-96; 1995 S 8, eff. 8-23-95; 1994 H 285, eff. 3-2-94; 1994 H 492, eff. 5-12-94; 1992 S 359, eff. 12-22-92; 1990 S 382, H 610; 1988 H 592; 1986 H 300; 1982 S 378; 1980 S 425; 1976 H 1040; 1973 H 55) VALIDITY For validity of this section, see Brinkman v. Budish, 692 F.Supp.2d 855 (S.D. Ohio, 2010). Notes of Decisions (549) R.C. § 102.03, OH ST § 102.03 Current through File 1 of the 136th General Assembly (2025-2026). End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 95 244.025. Gift limits, OR ST § 244.025 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Oregon Revised Statutes Annotated Title 22. Public Officers and Employees Chapter 244. Government Ethics (Refs & Annos) General Provisions O.R.S. § 244.025 244.025. Gift limits Currentness (1) During a calendar year, a public official, a candidate or a relative or member of the household of the public official or candidate may not solicit or receive, directly or indirectly, any gift or gifts with an aggregate value in excess of $50 from any single source that could reasonably be known to have a legislative or administrative interest. (2) During a calendar year, a person who has a legislative or administrative interest may not offer to the public official or a relative or member of the household of the public official any gift or gifts with an aggregate value in excess of $50. (3) During a calendar year, a person who has a legislative or administrative interest may not offer to the candidate or a relative or member of the household of the candidate any gift or gifts with an aggregate value in excess of $50. (4) This section does not apply to public officials subject to the Oregon Code of Judicial Conduct. Credits Added by Laws 2007, c. 877, § 18, eff. Jan. 1, 2008. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 68, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2010. Notes of Decisions (3) O. R. S. § 244.025, OR ST § 244.025 Current through laws of the 2024 Regular Session of the 82nd Legislative Assembly, which convened February 5, 2024 and adjourned sine die March 9, 2024, in effect through January 1, 2025, pending classification of undesignated material and text revision by the Oregon Reviser. See ORS 173.160. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 96 244.042. Honoraria, OR ST § 244.042 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Oregon Revised Statutes Annotated Title 22. Public Officers and Employees Chapter 244. Government Ethics (Refs & Annos) General Provisions O.R.S. § 244.042 244.042. Honoraria Currentness (1) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, a public official may not solicit or receive, whether directly or indirectly, honoraria for the public official or any member of the household of the public official if the honoraria are solicited or received in connection with the official duties of the public official. (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a candidate may not solicit or receive, whether directly or indirectly, honoraria for the candidate or any member of the household of the candidate if the honoraria are solicited or received in connection with the official duties of the public office for which the person is a candidate. (3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, this section does not prohibit: (a) The solicitation or receipt of an honorarium or a certificate, plaque, commemorative token or other item with a value of $50 or less; or (b) The solicitation or receipt of an honorarium for services performed in relation to the private profession, occupation, avocation or expertise of the public official or candidate. (4)(a) The Governor, First Partner, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General and Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may not solicit or receive an honorarium, money or any other consideration, as defined in ORS 171.725, for any speaking engagement or presentation. (b) This subsection does not prevent a public official listed in paragraph (a) of this subsection from receiving any food, beverage, travel or lodging expenses otherwise authorized by this chapter for a speaking engagement or presentation. Credits Added by Laws 2007, c. 877, § 24, eff. Jan. 1, 2008. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 68, § 21, eff. Jan. 1, 2010; Laws 2015, c. 620, § 2, eff. July 1, 2015. Notes of Decisions (2) 97 244.042. Honoraria, OR ST § 244.042 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 O. R. S. § 244.042, OR ST § 244.042 Current through laws of the 2024 Regular Session of the 82nd Legislative Assembly, which convened February 5, 2024 and adjourned sine die March 9, 2024, in effect through January 1, 2025, pending classification of undesignated material and text revision by the Oregon Reviser. See ORS 173.160. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 98 § 1103. Restricted activities, PA ST 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 1103 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 Purdon's Pennsylvania Statutes and Consolidated Statutes Title 65 Pa.C.S.A. Public Officers (Refs & Annos) Part II. Accountability (Refs & Annos) Chapter 11. Ethics Standards and Financial Disclosure (Refs & Annos) 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 1103 § 1103. Restricted activities Currentness (a) Conflict of interest.--No public official or public employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest. (b) Seeking improper influence.--No person shall offer or give to a public official, public employee or nominee or candidate for public office or a member of his immediate family or a business with which he is associated anything of monetary value, including a gift, loan, political contribution, reward or promise of future employment based on the offeror's or donor's understanding that the vote, official action or judgment of the public official or public employee or nominee or candidate for public office would be influenced thereby. (c) Accepting improper influence.--No public official, public employee or nominee or candidate for public office shall solicit or accept anything of monetary value, including a gift, loan, political contribution, reward or promise of future employment, based on any understanding of that public official, public employee or nominee that the vote, official action or judgment of the public official or public employee or nominee or candidate for public office would be influenced thereby. (d) Honorarium.--No public official or public employee shall accept an honorarium. (e) Contingent and severance payments.-- (1) No person shall solicit or accept a severance payment or anything of monetary value contingent upon the assumption or acceptance of public office or employment. (2) This subsection shall not prohibit: (i) Payments received pursuant to an employment agreement in existence prior to the time a person becomes a candidate or is notified by a member of a transition team, a search committee or a person with appointive power that he is under consideration for public office or makes application for public employment. 99 § 1103. Restricted activities, PA ST 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 1103 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (ii) Receipt of a salary, fees, severance payment or proceeds resulting from the sale of a person's interest in a corporation, professional corporation, partnership or other entity resulting from termination or withdrawal therefrom upon the assumption or acceptance of public office or employment. (3) Payments made or received pursuant to paragraph (2)(i) and (ii) shall not be based on the agreement, written or otherwise, that the vote or official action of the prospective public official or employee would be influenced thereby. (f) Contract.--No public official or public employee or his spouse or child or any business in which the person or his spouse or child is associated shall enter into any contract valued at $500 or more with the governmental body with which the public official or public employee is associated or any subcontract valued at $500 or more with any person who has been awarded a contract with the governmental body with which the public official or public employee is associated unless the contract has been awarded through an open and public process, including prior public notice and subsequent public disclosure of all proposals considered and contracts awarded. In such a case, the public official or public employee shall not have any supervisory or overall responsibility for the implementation or administration of the contract. Any contract or subcontract made in violation of this subsection shall be voidable by a court of competent jurisdiction if the suit is commenced within 90 days of the making of the contract or subcontract. (g) Former official or employee.--No former public official or public employee shall represent a person, with promised or actual compensation, on any matter before the governmental body with which he has been associated for one year after he leaves that body. (h) Misuse of statement of financial interest.--No person shall use for any commercial purpose information copied from statements of financial interests required by this chapter or from lists compiled from such statements. (i) Former executive-level employee.--No former executive-level State employee may for a period of two years from the time that he terminates employment with this Commonwealth be employed by, receive compensation from, assist or act in a representative capacity for a business or corporation that he actively participated in recruiting to this Commonwealth or that he actively participated in inducing to open a new plant, facility or branch in this Commonwealth or that he actively participated in inducing to expand an existent plant or facility within this Commonwealth, provided that the above prohibition shall be invoked only when the recruitment or inducement is accomplished by a grant or loan of money or a promise of a grant or loan of money from the Commonwealth to the business or corporation recruited or induced to expand. (j) Voting conflict.--Where voting conflicts are not otherwise addressed by the Constitution of Pennsylvania or by any law, rule, regulation, order or ordinance, the following procedure shall be employed. Any public official or public employee who in the discharge of his official duties would be required to vote on a matter that would result in a conflict of interest shall abstain from voting and, prior to the vote being taken, publicly announce and disclose the nature of his interest as a public record in a written memorandum filed with the person responsible for recording the minutes of the meeting at which the vote is taken, provided that whenever a governing body would be unable to take any action on a matter before it because the number of members of the body required to abstain from voting under the provisions of this section makes the majority or other legally required vote of approval unattainable, then such members shall be permitted to vote if disclosures are made as otherwise provided 100 § 1103. Restricted activities, PA ST 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 1103 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.3 herein. In the case of a three-member governing body of a political subdivision, where one member has abstained from voting as a result of a conflict of interest and the remaining two members of the governing body have cast opposing votes, the member who has abstained shall be permitted to vote to break the tie vote if disclosure is made as otherwise provided herein. Credits 1998, Oct. 15, P.L. 729, No. 93, § 1, effective in 60 days. Editors' Notes REPEALED IN PART <Title 65 Pa.C.S.A. Chapter 11 is repealed insofar as inconsistent with the State-owned University Intellectual Property Act [24 P.S. §§ 2521 to 2528], pursuant to 2016, June 13, P.L. 334, No. 41, § 1, effective in 60 days [Aug. 12, 2016].> VALIDITY <In Shaulis v. Pennsylvania State Ethics Com'n, 833 A.2d 123, 574 Pa. 680, Sup.2003, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held § 1103(g) unconstitutional as applied to former government employees who are also attorneys.> Notes of Decisions (127) 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 1103, PA ST 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 1103 Current through Act 2 of the 2025 Regular Session. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 101 § 8-13-715. Speaking engagements of public officials, members..., SC ST § 8-13-715 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976 Annotated Title 8. Public Officers and Employees Chapter 13. Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Article 7. Rules of Conduct Code 1976 § 8-13-715 § 8-13-715. Speaking engagements of public officials, members or employees; only expense reimbursement permitted; authorization for reimbursement of out-of-state expenses. Currentness (A) A public official, public member, or public employee acting in an official capacity may not receive anything of value for speaking before a public or private group. A public official, public member, or public employee is not prohibited by this section from accepting a meal provided in conjunction with a speaking engagement where all participants are entitled to the same meal and the meal is incidental to the speaking engagement. Notwithstanding the limitations of Section 2-17-90, a public official, public member, or public employee may receive payment or reimbursement for actual expenses incurred for a speaking engagement. The expenses must be reasonable and must be incurred in a reasonable time and manner in which to accomplish the purpose of the engagement. A public official, public member, or public employee required to file a statement of economic interests under Section 8-13-1110 must report on his statement of economic interests the organization which paid for or reimbursed actual expenses, the amount of such payment or reimbursement, and the purpose, date, and location of the speaking engagement. A public official, public member, or public employee who is not required to file a statement of economic interests but who is paid or reimbursed actual expenses for a speaking engagement must report this same information in writing to the chief administrative official or employee of the agency with which the public official, public member, or public employee is associated. (B) If the expenses are incurred out of state, the public official, public member, or public employee incurring the expenses must receive prior written approval for the payment or reimbursement from: (1) the Governor, in the case of a public official of a state agency who is not listed in an item in this section; (2) a statewide constitutional officer, in the case of himself; (3) the President of the Senate, in the case of a member of the Senate; (4) the Speaker of the House, in the case of a member of the House of Representatives; or (5) the chief executive of the governmental entity in all other cases. 102 § 8-13-715. Speaking engagements of public officials, members..., SC ST § 8-13-715 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 Credits HISTORY: 1991 Act No. 248, § 3, eff January 1, 1992 and governs only transactions which take place after December 31, 1991; 1995 Act No. 6, § 21, effective upon approval (became law without the Governor's signature January 12, 1995) and applies only to transactions occurring on or after January 1, 1995; 2019 Act No. 1 (S.2), § 35, eff January 31, 2019. Editors' Notes ETHICS COMMISSION OPINIONS The Ethics Reform Act does not prohibit a County government from selling the services of a county employee to the private sector. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO98-003, Nov. 19, 1997. Non-profit trade association’s ad hoc espousal of position on legislation or other official State action does not constitute lobbying, and neither association nor its board members or officers are lobbyists or lobbyist’s principals within meaning of Ethics Reform Act. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO94-005, Aug. 18, 1993. Vendors may assist in sponsorship of conference by contributing to general conference support fund without supporting any particular event. Vendors may pay fees for a booth space with such fees being utilized for general conference support. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO92-172, May 27, 1992. It is inappropriate for public employee, Highway Department Engineering Technician, to be accepting compensation from applicant for encroachment permit which employee would be responsible for inspecting. Consequently employee advised not to engage in such off-duty work with developers or contractors, for which he would be paid, whose work he is responsible for inspecting in course of his responsibilities. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO92-066, Feb. 26, 1992. State agencies may contract with other agencies to reimburse agency for travel and/or lodging costs associated with providing services. (2) State employees may not receive honoraria for giving speech. (3) State employees who serve on national councils or task forces may have travel expenses paid by such organizations. Payment of expenses for providing speeches or service to other organizations should be reimbursed to employee’s agency for reimbursement through it to employee. (4) employees attending meal or hospitality functions at conferences sponsored by vendors would not be prohibited from accepting such hospitality if it is provided to all conference participants. (5) meals provided by vendors at vendor-sponsored shows would not be prohibited, unless given to influence. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO92-061, Feb. 26, 1992. Faculty members are prohibited from accepting anything of value other than meal incidental to giving of speech or presentation given “in official capacity”, where meal is provided to all other persons participating in same event. Commission notes for clarification that “speaking before public or private group” encompasses not only traditional breakfast or luncheon speech but also more extended participation as speaker at workshop, seminar, or training session or as panel participant. Group inviting public employee could contract with employee’s agency to reimburse agency for travel expenses, employee could then be reimbursed by agency in accordance with agency travel reimbursement policies and procedures. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO92-057, Jan. 27, 1992. Public employee would not be prohibited from accepting meal incidental to giving speech in official capacity at meal function where meal is provided to all other persons participating in same event. Agency would not be prohibited by Ethics Reform Act of 1991 from charging organization for costs associated with presentation as reimbursement to agency for program costs. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO92-023, Jan. 27, 1992. 103 § 8-13-715. Speaking engagements of public officials, members..., SC ST § 8-13-715 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.3 Code 1976 § 8-13-715, SC ST § 8-13-715 Current through 2025 Act No. 1, subject to final approval by the Legislative Council, technical revisions by the Code Commissioner, and publication in the Official Code of Laws. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 104 § 36.07. Acceptance of Honorarium, TX PENAL § 36.07 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated Penal Code (Refs & Annos) Title 8. Offenses Against Public Administration Chapter 36. Bribery and Corrupt Influence (Refs & Annos) V.T.C.A., Penal Code § 36.07 § 36.07. Acceptance of Honorarium Currentness (a) A public servant commits an offense if the public servant solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept an honorarium in consideration for services that the public servant would not have been requested to provide but for the public servant's official position or duties. (b) This section does not prohibit a public servant from accepting transportation and lodging expenses in connection with a conference or similar event in which the public servant renders services, such as addressing an audience or engaging in a seminar, to the extent that those services are more than merely perfunctory, or from accepting meals in connection with such an event. (b-1) Transportation, lodging, and meals described by Subsection (b) are not political contributions as defined by Title 15, Election Code.1 (c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Credits Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, § 4.03, eff. Jan. 1, 1992. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., ch. 56 (S.B. 1269), § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2011. Notes of Decisions (26) Footnotes 1 V.T.C.A., Election Code § 251.001 et seq. V. T. C. A., Penal Code § 36.07, TX PENAL § 36.07 Current through the end of the 2023 Regular, Second, Third and Fourth Called Sessions of the 88th Legislature, and the Nov. 7, 2023 general election. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 105 § 2.2-3103. Prohibited conduct, VA ST § 2.2-3103 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Annotated Code of Virginia Title 2.2. Administration of Government (Refs & Annos) Subtitle I. Organization of State Government Part E. State Officers and Employees (Refs & Annos) Chapter 31. State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (Refs & Annos) Article 2. Generally Prohibited and Unlawful Conduct (Refs & Annos) VA Code Ann. § 2.2-3103 § 2.2-3103. Prohibited conduct Currentness No officer or employee of a state or local governmental or advisory agency shall: 1. Solicit or accept money or other thing of value for services performed within the scope of his official duties, except the compensation, expenses or other remuneration paid by the agency of which he is an officer or employee. This prohibition shall not apply to the acceptance of special benefits that may be authorized by law; 2. Offer or accept any money or other thing of value for or in consideration of obtaining employment, appointment, or promotion of any person with any governmental or advisory agency; 3. Offer or accept any money or other thing of value for or in consideration of the use of his public position to obtain a contract for any person or business with any governmental or advisory agency; 4. Use for his own economic benefit or that of another party confidential information that he has acquired by reason of his public position and which is not available to the public; 5. Accept any money, loan, gift, favor, service, or business or professional opportunity that reasonably tends to influence him in the performance of his official duties. This subdivision shall not apply to any political contribution actually used for political campaign or constituent service purposes and reported as required by Chapter 9.3 (§ 24.2-945 et seq.) of Title 24.2; 6. Accept any business or professional opportunity when he knows that there is a reasonable likelihood that the opportunity is being afforded him to influence him in the performance of his official duties; 7. Accept any honoraria for any appearance, speech, or article in which the officer or employee provides expertise or opinions related to the performance of his official duties. The term “honoraria” shall not include any payment for or reimbursement to such person for his actual travel, lodging, or subsistence expenses incurred in connection with such appearance, speech, or article or in the alternative a payment of money or anything of value not in excess of the per diem deduction allowable under § 162 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended from time to 106 § 2.2-3103. Prohibited conduct, VA ST § 2.2-3103 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 time. The prohibition in this subdivision shall apply only to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Governor's Secretaries, and heads of departments of state government; 8. Accept a gift from a person who has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance of the officer's or employee's official duties under circumstances where the timing and nature of the gift would cause a reasonable person to question the officer's or employee's impartiality in the matter affecting the donor. Violations of this subdivision shall not be subject to criminal law penalties; 9. Accept gifts from sources on a basis so frequent as to raise an appearance of the use of his public office for private gain. Violations of this subdivision shall not be subject to criminal law penalties; or 10. Use his public position to retaliate or threaten to retaliate against any person for expressing views on matters of public concern or for exercising any right that is otherwise protected by law, provided, however, that this subdivision shall not restrict the authority of any public employer to govern conduct of its employees, and to take disciplinary action, in accordance with applicable law, and provided further that this subdivision shall not limit the authority of a constitutional officer to discipline or discharge an employee with or without cause. Credits Acts 2001, c. 844, eff. Oct. 1, 2001; Acts 2006, c. 787; Acts 2006, c. 892; Acts 2015, c. 574. Notes of Decisions (8) VA Code Ann. § 2.2-3103, VA ST § 2.2-3103 The statutes and Constitution are current through the 2024 Regular Session and 2024 Special Session I and 2025 Regular Session cc. 6, 20, 85, 147, 157, 251, 520, 616, 620, 645 and 648. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 107 42.23.070. Prohibited acts, WA ST 42.23.070 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Revised Code of Washington Annotated Title 42. Public Officers and Agencies (Refs & Annos) Chapter 42.23. Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers--Contract Interests (Refs & Annos) West's RCWA 42.23.070 42.23.070. Prohibited acts Currentness (1) No municipal officer may use his or her position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself, herself, or others. (2) No municipal officer may, directly or indirectly, give or receive or agree to receive any compensation, gift, reward, or gratuity from a source except the employing municipality, for a matter connected with or related to the officer's services as such an officer unless otherwise provided for by law. (3) No municipal officer may accept employment or engage in business or professional activity that the officer might reasonably expect would require or induce him or her by reason of his or her official position to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of his or her official position. (4) No municipal officer may disclose confidential information gained by reason of the officer's position, nor may the officer otherwise use such information for his or her personal gain or benefit. Credits [1994 c 154 § 121.] OFFICIAL NOTES Effective date--1994 c 154: See RCW 42.52.904. Notes of Decisions (9) 9WAX - (C) 2025 Thomson Reuters West's RCWA 42.23.070, WA ST 42.23.070 Current with all legislation from the 2024 Regular Session of the Washington Legislature. Some sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 108 42.52.130. Honoraria, WA ST 42.52.130 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Revised Code of Washington Annotated Title 42. Public Officers and Agencies (Refs & Annos) Chapter 42.52. Ethics in Public Service (Refs & Annos) West's RCWA 42.52.130 42.52.130. Honoraria Currentness (1) No state officer or state employee may receive honoraria unless specifically authorized by the agency where they serve as state officer or state employee. (2) An agency may not permit honoraria under the following circumstances: (a) The person offering the honorarium is seeking or is reasonably expected to seek contractual relations with or a grant from the employer of the state officer or state employee, and the officer or employee is in a position to participate in the terms or the award of the contract or grant; (b) The person offering the honorarium is regulated by the employer of the state officer or state employee and the officer or employee is in a position to participate in the regulation; or (c) The person offering the honorarium (i) is seeking or opposing or is reasonably likely to seek or oppose enactment of legislation or adoption of administrative rules or actions, or policy changes by the state officer's or state employee's agency; and (ii) the officer or employee may participate in the enactment or adoption. Credits [1994 c 154 § 113.] 9WAX - (C) 2025 Thomson Reuters West's RCWA 42.52.130, WA ST 42.52.130 Current with all legislation from the 2024 Regular Session of the Washington Legislature. Some sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 109 42.52.150. Limitations on gifts (Effective until January 1, 2026), WA ST 42.52.150 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.1 West's Revised Code of Washington Annotated Title 42. Public Officers and Agencies (Refs & Annos) Chapter 42.52. Ethics in Public Service (Refs & Annos) West's RCWA 42.52.150 42.52.150. Limitations on gifts (Effective until January 1, 2026) Currentness (1) No state officer or state employee may accept gifts, other than those specified in subsections (2) and (5) of this section, with an aggregate value in excess of fifty dollars from a single source in a calendar year or a single gift from multiple sources with a value in excess of fifty dollars. For purposes of this section, “single source” means any person, as defined in RCW 42.52.010, whether acting directly or through any agent or other intermediary, and “single gift” includes any event, item, or group of items used in conjunction with each other or any trip including transportation, lodging, and attendant costs, not excluded from the definition of gift under RCW 42.52.010. The value of gifts given to an officer's or employee's family member or guest shall be attributed to the official or employee for the purpose of determining whether the limit has been exceeded, unless an independent business, family, or social relationship exists between the donor and the family member or guest. (2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, the following items are presumed not to influence under RCW 42.52.140, and may be accepted without regard to the limit established by subsection (1) of this section: (a) Unsolicited flowers, plants, and floral arrangements; (b) Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value, such as pens and note pads; (c) Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item; (d) Unsolicited items received by a state officer or state employee for the purpose of evaluation or review, if the officer or employee has no personal beneficial interest in the eventual use or acquisition of the item by the officer's or employee's agency; (e) Informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient's performance of official duties; (f) Food and beverages consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to the state officer's or state employee's official duties; (g) Gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise accepted and solicited for deposit in the legislative international trade account created in RCW 43.15.050; 110 42.52.150. Limitations on gifts (Effective until January 1, 2026), WA ST 42.52.150 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.2 (h) Gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise accepted and solicited for the purpose of promoting the expansion of tourism as provided for in *RCW 43.330.090; (i) Gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, solicited on behalf of a national or regional legislative association as defined in RCW 42.52.822(2), the 2006 official conference of the national lieutenant governors' association, the annual conference of the national association of state treasurers, or a host committee, for the purpose of hosting an official conference under the circumstances specified in RCW 42.52.820, section 2, chapter 5, Laws of 2006, RCW 42.52.821, or RCW 42.52.822. Anything solicited or accepted may only be received by the national association or host committee and may not be commingled with any funds or accounts that are the property of any person; (j) Admission to, and the cost of food and beverages consumed at, events sponsored by or in conjunction with a civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization; (k) Unsolicited gifts from dignitaries from another state or a foreign country that are intended to be personal in nature; and (l) Gifts, grants, donations, sponsorships, or contributions from any agency or federal or local government agency or program or private source for the purposes of chapter 28B.156 RCW. (3) The presumption in subsection (2) of this section is rebuttable and may be overcome based on the circumstances surrounding the giving and acceptance of the item. (4) Notwithstanding subsections (2) and (5) of this section, a state officer or state employee of a regulatory agency or of an agency that seeks to acquire goods or services who participates in those regulatory or contractual matters may receive, accept, take, or seek, directly or indirectly, only the following items from a person regulated by the agency or from a person who seeks to provide goods or services to the agency: (a) Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value, such as pens and note pads; (b) Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item; (c) Unsolicited items received by a state officer or state employee for the purpose of evaluation or review, if the officer or employee has no personal beneficial interest in the eventual use or acquisition of the item by the officer's or employee's agency; (d) Informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient's performance of official duties; 111 42.52.150. Limitations on gifts (Effective until January 1, 2026), WA ST 42.52.150 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.3 (e) Food and beverages consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to the state officer's or state employee's official duties; (f) Admission to, and the cost of food and beverages consumed at, events sponsored by or in conjunction with a civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization; and (g) Those items excluded from the definition of gift in RCW 42.52.010 except: (i) Payments by a governmental or nongovernmental entity of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a speech, presentation, appearance, or trade mission made in an official capacity; (ii) Payments for seminars and educational programs sponsored by a bona fide governmental or nonprofit professional, educational, trade, or charitable association or institution; and (iii) Flowers, plants, and floral arrangements. (5) A state officer or state employee may accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions in the ordinary course of meals where attendance by the officer or employee is related to the performance of official duties. Gifts in the form of food and beverage that exceed fifty dollars on a single occasion shall be reported as provided in chapter 42.17A RCW. Credits [2023 c 91 § 2, eff. July 23, 2023. Prior: 2015 3rd sp.s. c 20 § 7, eff. Oct. 9, 2015; 2015 c 45 § 2, eff. July 24, 2015; 2011 c 60 § 29, eff. Jan. 1, 2012; 2006 c 5 § 3, eff. Feb. 7, 2006; 2003 1st sp.s. c 23 § 2, eff. Sept. 9, 2003; prior: 2003 c 265 § 3, eff. July 27, 2003; 2003 c 153 § 6, eff. July 27, 2003; 1998 c 7 § 2; 1994 c 154 § 115.] OFFICIAL NOTES *Reviser’s note: RCW 43.330.090 was amended by 2007 c 228 § 201, deleting subsection (2) which directly related to “expansion of tourism.” Finding--Intent--Short title--2015 3rd sp.s. c 20: See RCW 28B.156.005 and 28B.156.900. Effective date--2011 c 60: See RCW 42.17A.919. Findings--2006 c 5: “The legislature finds that due to the massive devastation inflicted on the city of New Orleans by hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, the city of New Orleans will not be able to meet its obligation to host the national lieutenant governors' association's annual conference scheduled for July 17 through July 19, 2006. As a result of this unfortunate situation, the members of the national lieutenant governors' association officially pressed to have Washington state host the next annual conference in Seattle, Washington, and lieutenant governor Brad Owen has agreed to do so. The legislature further finds, in recognition of the unprecedented situation created by this natural disaster, the high national visibility of this important event, and due to the limited amount of 112 42.52.150. Limitations on gifts (Effective until January 1, 2026), WA ST 42.52.150 © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.4 time remaining for planning and fund-raising, it is necessary to initiate fund-raising activities for this national conference as soon as possible.” [2006 c 5 § 1.] Effective date--2006 c 5: “This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [February 7, 2006].” [2006 c 5 § 4.] Findings--2003 c 153: See note following RCW 43.330.090. 9WAX - (C) 2025 Thomson Reuters West's RCWA 42.52.150, WA ST 42.52.150 Current with all legislation from the 2024 Regular Session of the Washington Legislature. Some sections may be more current, see credits for details. End of Document © 2025 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 113 CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS 1.3.111: GIFTS: A. Hospitality And Gifts: No covered person or immediate family member shall solicit, accept, or give any gift related to the covered person's duties and responsibilities on behalf of the City. B. Exceptions: Providing that the gift could not be reasonably considered a bribe or a means of improper influence on a direct official action, no violation of this Code of Ethics shall be found to apply to the following: 1. A campaign contribution as defined by law. 2. An unsolicited item or items of value less than the dollar amount established and adjusted in Colorado Constitution, article XXIX, section 3, per vendor or third party per year. As of January 1, 2017, that amount is fifty nine dollars ($59.00). a. The cost of the gift is the retail value of the item unless the receiver has knowledge that the giver paid more than the retail value, in which case the cost is the amount actually paid. b. For a charity event, the cost of the event is the amount the event organizer reports to the Internal Revenue Service as the non-deductible portion of the event. c. It is not permissible to pay part of the cost of a gift that is offered with a value exceeding the amount set forth in subsection B2 of this section to reduce the value to less than the amount set forth in subsection B2 of this section and then accept the gift. d. Immediate family members of covered persons, except those of elected officials, may only accept a free or discounted event ticket if they attend the event with a covered person. Event tickets for elected officials are covered under subsection B15 of this section. 3. An unsolicited token or award of appreciation that is reasonable in value and purpose, such as plaques and professional awards. 4. A component of compensation paid or other recognition given in the normal course of employment, appointment, volunteer services, or business. 5. Any scholarship or grant or other financial aid for education given to any covered person or immediate family member for any reason. 6. Any charity event benefiting the City and any of its affiliated organizations. 7. Any gift solicitation for a charitable purpose as determined to be appropriate by the City or its affiliated organization. 8. Any gift, whether solicited or not, to benefit a public safety or community purpose. 114 9. Awards or prizes given at competitions or drawings at events open to the public. 10. Reasonable cost (e.g., fees, meals, lodging, and/or transportation) and frequency of conferences, seminars, events, or meetings, so long as the conferences, seminars, events, or meetings are documented and: a. The person is scheduled to deliver a speech, participate in a presentation, participate on a panel, or receive an award; b. The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid pursuant to a vendor agreement or contract; or c. The cost of the conference, seminar, event, or meeting is paid by a governmental entity or an IRC 501(c)(3) organization. 11. Reasonable cost and frequency of City sponsored educational events, so long as the events are documented. 12. Reasonable cost and frequency of business meals for covered persons, so long as the meals are documented. 13. Perishable or consumable gifts given to a City department or group. 14. Gifts accepted in a covered person's official capacity that will become property of the City. 15. For elected officials and their immediate family members, reasonable cost and frequency of meals and event tickets pertaining to their official duties as Mayor or members of City Council so long as the gift is documented and is not intended, and does not affect, a direct official action. 16. A non-pecuniary award of reasonable value and frequency publicly presented by an IRC 501(c)(3) organization in recognition of public service. 17. Discounts that are similarly available to all employees of the City, or discounts that are offered to the public generally or to a large segment of the public (i.e., all uniformed personnel, all government employees, or all first responders). 18. Any exemption granted or exception recognized pursuant to Federal or State law. 19. Any other exceptions as may be approved by the Commission through an inquiry for consideration. C. Inappropriate Hospitality And Gifts: Inappropriate hospitality or gifts involves offering or receiving accommodations, tours, event tickets, recreation, entertainment, meals or other similar personal benefits when a substantial interest exists that could influence or be perceived to influence objectivity when interacting with, representing, or conducting business for or on behalf of the City. (Ord. 11-18; Ord. 16-122) 115 Headline Copy Goes Here Jenny Lopez Filkins City Attorney’s Office Limits on Acceptance of Gifts for Councilmembers 05-05-25 116 Headline Copy Goes Here 2 Council Priority to Review and Update Ethics Code • At its January 21, 2025, meeting, City Council asked the Ethics Review Board to review the City’s requirements around the acceptance of gifts, gift disclosures, and financial disclosures and consider recommended changes. • At its April 7, 2025, meeting, the ERB decided to review the rules related to acceptance of gifts at its next meeting. 117 Headline Copy Goes Here 3 Topics for Discussion A.Should a value restriction be added to Code? What value restriction? B.Prohibited Gifts—Continue to Prohibit Gifts of Any Value or Start With Threshold Dollar Amount? C.Modification of Exceptions or Restrictions to Gift Bans D. Add Definition of Gift that Excludes Gifts to the City? E.Clarify What It Means to Act in Role of Councilmember or in Official Capacity? 118 Headline Copy Goes Here 4 Overview of Value Restrictions A. Value Restrictions •Is there interest in adopting a value restriction? •Many other Colorado municipalities adopted $50 to $100 restriction •Others rely on Colorado Constitutional provision that sets dollar amount •Still others use phrase “substantial value” with no amount provided 119 Headline Copy Goes Here 5 Overview of Value Restrictions A. Value Restrictions •Colorado - $75, Colo. Constitution, adjusted for inflation •Fort Collins – no value identified •Aurora - $300 from same donor in one calendar year for meals, tickets, or free or reduced-price admissions accepted from same donor and must be reported •Boulder – ⎻rely on Colorado’s restriction and allow single ticket valued at less than $150 only if representing the city, ticket has no resale value or offered by commercial vendor⎻allow single ticket valued less than $150 in each calendar year to a sporting or cultural event if event sponsored by governmental entity or non-profit and purpose is to promote relationship 120 Headline Copy Goes Here 6 Overview of Value Restrictions A. Value Restrictions •Colorado Springs acceptance of payment for “reasonable costs” (fees, meals, lodging, and/or transportation) and frequency of conferences, seminars, events or meetings if one of these conditions met:⎻Delivery of speech, presentation, panel participation or award receipt⎻Cost is paid pursuant to a vendor agreement or contract; or⎻Cost of the conference, seminar, event or meeting is paid by a governmental entity or an IRC 501(c)(3) organization. 121 Headline Copy Goes HereProhibit Gifts of Any Value? 7 B. Prohibited Gifts—Continue to Prohibit All or Start With Threshold Dollar Amount? •Fort Collins Code language requires officers and employees to first decide whether they can accept a gift of any amount based on whether it would tend to impair their judgement in the performance of their duties. •On the other hand, there may be benefit to including language that accepting a gift from a donor who is the subject of a decision pending before the Council should be prohibited. 122 Headline Copy Goes HereProhibit Gifts of Any Value? 8 B. Prohibited Gifts—Continue to Prohibit All or Start With Threshold Dollar Amount? (Gifts of any value that would tend to impair the person’s judgement in performance of their duties.) Some Colorado cities prohibit only gifts above a certain amount: •Arvada •Broomfield •Thornton 123 Headline Copy Goes HereProhibit Gifts of Any Value? 9 B. Prohibited Gifts—Continue to Prohibit Gifts of Any Value or Start With Threshold Dollar Amount? (Gifts of any value that would tend to impair the person’s judgement in performance of their duties.) Some Colorado cities prohibit all: •Fort Collins •Aurora •Boulder •Colorado Springs •Denver – only if the officer or employee in position to take direct official action with regard to donor and the city has an existing or ongoing or pending contract, business or regulatory relationship with donor 124 Headline Copy Goes Here 10 Add Exceptions? C. Add Exceptions? City of Colorado Springs example— Well-written, covers most foreseeable circumstances 125 Headline Copy Goes Here 11 Add Exceptions? C. Add Exceptions? Colorado Springs Exceptions: •Any scholarship or grant or other financial aid for education given to any covered person or immediate family member for any reason. •Any charity event benefiting the City and any of its affiliated organizations. •Any gift solicitation for a charitable purpose as determined to be appropriate by the City or its affiliated organization. •Any gift, whether solicited or not, to benefit a public safety or community purpose. 126 Headline Copy Goes Here 12 Add Exceptions? C. Add Exceptions? Colorado Springs Exceptions: •Awards or prizes given at competitions or drawings at events open to the public. •Reasonable cost and frequency of City sponsored educational events, so long as the events are documented. •Reasonable cost and frequency of business meals for covered persons, so long as the meals are documented. •Perishable or consumable gifts given to a City department or group. •Gifts accepted in a covered person's official capacity that will become property of the City. •For elected officials and their immediate family members, reasonable cost and frequency of meals and event tickets pertaining to their official duties as Mayor or members of City Council so long as the gift is documented and is not intended, and does not affect, a direct official action. 127 Headline Copy Goes Here 13 Add Restrictions? C. Add Restrictions? Restrictions (not specifically prohibited by Fort Collins): •Thing of value without compensation or compensation for private services rendered at a rate substantially exceeding fair market value •Loan of goods not available to the public •Loan of money at rate not available to public •Forbearance of debt owed 128 Headline Copy Goes Here 14 Interest in Adding Definition of Gift? E. Interest in Adding a Definition of Gift that Excludes Gifts to the City? Gifts (including tickets to events, gift baskets, food) from third parties given to the City are not gifts to an officer or employee of the City if: a.Gift is sent or delivered to City Manager’s office rather than an individual; and b.The City Manager’s Office has sole authority to distribute gift for general City use by any City officer or employee; and c.If the item is a ticket, the item is provided to the officer or employee so that they can attend and carry out their role as a Councilmember or employee on behalf of the City; and d.The gift is unsolicited; and e.The gift is not provided by an entity that receives City funding authorized by City Council, in the case of Councilmembers, or authorized by City staff, in the case of employees. 129 Headline Copy Goes Here 15 Interest in Clarifying Acting in Role? E. Interest in Clarifying Acting in Role of Councilmember or In Official Capacity? How does an official know they are acting in their role as a City Councilmember on behalf of the City or the Council when attending an event? An official is acting in their role as a City Councilmember when: a.they wear their City of Fort Collins name tag identifying them as a Councilmember; and b.they speak or present to the gathering at the event; or c.they are receiving a non-pecuniary award from a non-profit during the event in recognition of their work as a Councilmember; or d. they have been asked by the CMO to attend the event. 130 Headline Copy Goes Here 131 No No No Yes No No No COUNCIL GIFTS AND FAVORS FAQ When someone offers you anything of value (e.g., ticket to event, promotional hat or t-shirt, plant, gift card, etc.), you should evaluate if you are permitted to accept it. Any gifts you accept, you must report regardless of the monetary value. Tickets and items you receive directly from the City generally will not be gifts subject to reporting requirements. Was the item or ticket/admission provided to you by the City (including the various City departments) for you to attend so as to carry out your role as a Councilmember on behalf of the City? It is not a gift to you and you do not have to report.Yes Was the ticket admission given to you because you were invited to speak or be a part of the program?Yes It is not a gift to you and you do not have to report. Was the item a gift received by the City from a third party and provided to you by the City? In practice, this would likely mean the ticket/gift was treated as a gift to the City and coordinated through the City Manager’s Office. Yes It is not a gift to you and you do not have to report. Did a non-profit or external entity offer the gift/ticket to you in express thanks for a City Council vote or action?Yes Please do not accept the gift as this is inappropriate and may be illegal depending on the circumstances. The City Manager’s Office & CityGive can help with a polite decline on your behalf. Did the non-profit or external entity provide a ticket to or for your guest/spouse?Yes Evaluate its value and confirm it does not violate the gift restrictions. If you choose to accept it, you must report it. Did the non-profit or external entity provide you with flowers, food, swag or a clothing item that is not significant in value in appreciation for your service on Council? You may accept the items since they are perishable or insignificant in value. The gift reporting requirement does not state a minimum threshold for reporting, so it may be appropriate to report these items as gifts. Please note that gifts for attending an event or speaking would be considered an honorarium and would be prohibited, so how the entity characterizes the gift is important. Yes Did the non-profit or external entity offer you a monetary gift for speaking at their event?Yes Please do not accept it as this is prohibited as an honorarium. The City Manager’s Office & CityGive can help with a polite return of the money on your behalf. Is the monetary value of the gift significant? City Code does not include a numerical value of significance. As a point of comparison, the current State limit on gifts is $75. No You can accept it. As a gift to you (rather than a covered expense), you do need to report it regardless of the dollar value. • City Code Section 2-576(b) contains the gifts and favors provision and lists types of gifts or favors that you are allowed to accept. The following flowchart can provide you with guidance to evaluate how these requirements apply. • City Code (Section 2-656) requires Councilmembers to report gifts on a quarterly basis (by Jan 15, April 15, July 15, October 15). 24-26691132