Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions

​​

Type
Advisory Opinion
Date
12/10/1996
Number
96-13
Topic
Gifts - Complimentary Admission - Lobbyists - Inaugural Ball
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

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
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in October 2022 – retained