Prohibited Honorarium

Generally, Members and staff are prohibited from accepting any payment or gift(s) made in consideration for a speech, publication, or attendance at a public or private event.  For example, a Member is prohibited from accepting a gift card to their local coffee shop as a thank you for speaking to a group of students or interested parties about upcoming legislation.

However, Members/staff may accept things provided they are both ceremonial in nature and so insignificant in monetary value as to render them de minimis.  For example, Members are not prohibited from accepting a coffee cup or inexpensive pen with the name of the business/organization on it.

In addition, meals and beverages provided to a member or staff participating in a panel, seminar or speaking engagement, as well as a reimbursement of actual travel expenses incurred in connection to such an event, are not considered honoraria and are not prohibited.