Advisory Opinion 96-02

​Does the Ethics Act prohibit a legislator from accepting, from a political party, a complimentary admission to political party events?

​No. Truly complimentary admission from a political party is a customary and accepted practice and this practice does not involve the concerns about gift giving (influence or reward) expressed in the Act.  If, however, a third person pays for attendance or if there is any type of arrangement, agreement or understanding that payment by a third person would pay or help pay for attendance, the admission is not complimentary and a gift analysis is appropriate. RCW 42.52.010 and 42.52.140.

Retained