Brief Description: Changing the gift limitation for state officers and employees.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Haigh, Kirby, Armstrong, Nixon and Williams.

Hearing Date: 3/1/05

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

State officers and employees are generally prohibited from accepting certain gifts with an aggregate value of over $50 per calendar year. Several types of items are excluded from the definition of "gift," including items from family members or friends, campaign contributions, and awards, prizes, scholarships, or other items provided in recognition of academic or scientific achievement. Also, certain items, despite the fact that they meet the definition of "gift," are exempt from the $50 limit. Such items include unsolicited flowers, informational material related to the recipient's performance of official duties, and food consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to the recipient's official duties.

Summary of Bill:

The limit for gifts that may be accepted during a calendar year is increased from $50 to $75. On January 1st of every even-numbered year beginning in 2006, the limit is automatically increased by $10.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.