Ethics in Public Service Act. The Ethics in Public Service Act (Ethics Act) prohibits state officers and state employees from using their public employment for personal gain or private advantage, or to provide special privileges or exemptions for anyone else unless required to perform duties within the scope of their employment.
Gifts Under the Ethics in Public Service Act Generally. The Ethics Act generally prohibits a state officer or employee from accepting the following in a single year:
A state officer or employee is prohibited from accepting or soliciting any gift that could reasonably be expected to influence the recipient’s vote, action, or judgment.
Exemptions. The Legislature has adopted a number of exemptions to the general rule. In these circumstances, the $50 value threshold does not apply and the gift is presumed not to influence the recipient. Examples include the following:
The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Legislators who serve as elected leaders of regional or national legislative associations and designated legislative employees may solicit gifts, grants, or donations to the regional or national legislative association for official conferences held outside the state. To qualify, the association must:
PRO: This bill would allow legislators who are elected as chairs of national organizations to assist in raising money even if the organization holds a conference out of state.