CPI Fines UUP for 2008 Legislative Luncheon

The Commission on Public Integrity(CPI) announced today that it has imposed a $5,000 fine on the United University Professions (UUP) for its “knowing and willfull” violation of Legislative Law § 1-m (known as the gift ban) in 2008.

The CPI found that UUP improperly provided complimentary attendance, food and refreshments to public officials at a legislative luncheon in the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany in February 2008.

They rejected UUP’s claims that the law’s use of the term “nominal” is too vague, and that the gift ban impairs UUP’s rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The hearing officer’s decision can be found here.