JCOPE Adopts Gift Regulations, Issues Guidance

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) sent out an e-blast today, indicating that their new gift regulations are now in effect.

JCOPE_gift_guideSome highlights –

The regulations apply whenever a lobbyist or client of a lobbyist gives a gift to a public official;

A gift is anything in excess of nominal value (which the Commission considers to be $15 or less);

There are a number of exclusions from what is considered a ‘gift’. Some examples of what is not considered a gift (and would therefore not be covered by the new regulations) include:

 

  • Food or beverage valued at $15 or less per occasion.
  • Gifts from family members or friends
  • Promotional items with no substantial resale value
  • Awards, plaques or other ceremonial items
  • Meals for participants at a professional or educational program
  • Complimentary attendance (including food and beverage) at a bona fide charitable or political event; and
  • Complimentary attendance (including food and beverage) offered by the sponsor of a ‘Widely Attended Event’

The regulations can be found here, while ‘JCOPE’s Guide to the New Gift Regulations’ for lobbyists and clients can be found here.