Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Gifts - Special Privileges
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
Seattle Yacht Club offered
temporary memberships to legislators, which allow entry into the Club restaurant
and events, for $10 annually. May legislators accept the offer?
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
No. Statute refers to "value" not
"cost." The value is clearly in excess of $50. Board also concluded that the
exception for gifts permitted to be given to "broad based" group was not
applicable. The "special privileges" statute would also be violated if the
offer was accepted. RCW 42.52.070 and 42.52.150.
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in October 2022 – retained