Advisory Opinion 95-15
Date
09/18/1995
Number
95-15
Requester
Sen. Dan Swecker
Topic
Gifts - Reasonable Expectation - Spouse's Traveling Expenses
Issue/Question
May the spouse of a legislator accept reimbursement from friends for travel expenses incurred while accompanying the legislator to an out-of-state legislative conference?
Summary
Yes. Under these narrow facts the gift exemption found in RCW 42.52.010(9) is applicable. The Board cautions legislators that their acceptance of payment for their spouse's travel, lodging or recreational fees would in most cases be subject to the $50 gift limit and may violate the reasonable expectation rule found in RCW 42.52.140.