Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Gifts - Complimentary Admission - Lobbyists - Reasonable Expectation
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
Lobbyist for a corporation
which sponsors Seafair seeks to offer complimentary admission to legislators to
attend hydroplane races. Value exceeds $50.
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
Acceptance of the invitation would
violate the Act. (1) This is purely a sporting event and there is no official
purpose served by the legislator's attendance. (2) When such an invitation
comes from a lobbyist or lobbyist-employer, the "reasonable expectation"
statute, RCW 42.52.140, will be strictly construed. RCW 42.52.010(9)(d) and
42.52.150(2)(g).
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in October 2022 – retained