Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Congratulatory Letters - Normal and Regular Conduct
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
Board was requested to revisit the issue of legislator's ability to send
congratulatory letters at public expense. Board agreed to do so.
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
The standards for sending a congratulatory letter at public expense are the same in an election year as they are in a non-election year. Although there is some flexibility in identifying an "extraordinary event or honor," the constituent must already have received the honor. The opinion provides non-exclusive examples to assist legislators and staff.
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
July 2022 - Board retired the portion of the opinion that provided examples of extraordinary awards unless the award otherwise meets the definition of “extraordinary” adopted in this opinion. See Advisory Opinion 2021 – No. 1.