Prohibition on receiving gifts of cash or the equivalent of cash from lobbyists

The calendar for the month of June is filled with weddings and other celebratory events. This is a good opportunity to remind Members and legislative staff of the prohibition on accepting a gift of cash or the equivalent of cash (check, money order, gift card, cryptocurrency) of any amount from registered lobbyists. Regardless of the nature of the occasion, this prohibition applies to all Members and legislative staff. There is an exception if the recipient is related to the registered lobbyist by blood or marriage.

If a Member or legislative staff person receives a gift in the form of cash or the equivalent of cash from a non-familial registered lobbyist, the recipient should return the gift and notify caucus counsel, a supervisor or JLEC.