Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Gifts - Complimentary Admission - Lobbyists - Inaugural Ball
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
SeaFirst was the corporate
underwriter for the Inaugural Dinner and its contribution goes directly to the
Inaugural Committee, a group of local citizens who issue invitations to Supreme
Court Justices, legislative leaders and state-wide elected officials
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
The value of food and beverage is
presumed not to be a gift, RCW 42.52.150(2)(f)(g). Complimentary admission from
a lobbyist or lobbyist-employer could violate the "reasonable expectation"
standard of RCW 42.52.140 but in this case the civic/community organization is
the source of the invitation and determines who will attend.
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in October 2022 – retained