Advisory Opinion 97-10
Date
11/13/1997
Number
97-10
Requester
Ross Baker, Senior External Affairs Manager, AT&T Wireless
Topic
Museum Reception - Gift
Issue/Question
AT&T is hosting a charitable fundraiser for an art museum and is inviting legislators. The event will feature a presentation of AT&T services at dinner followed by a complimentary entrance to the museum collection.
Summary
The dinner portion would not violate the Ethics Act, RCW 42.52.150(5). AT&T is the corporate sponsor; otherwise, the prohibition against registered lobbyists or lobbyist-employers purchasing admission, providing table hosting, or otherwise sponsoring the attendance of legislators or legislative staff on a third party basis would be applicable. Admission to the museum is a non-incidental entertainment expense and subject to gift limitations. RCW 42.52.150.