JCOPE Issues ‘Interim Guidance on Gifts’

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) recently posted “Interim Guidance on Gifts” to its web site.

According to the “Interim Guidance”:

“JCOPE issues this interim guidance on gifts to update Advisory Opinion No. 08-01 in light of the amendments recently enacted by the Public Integrity Reform Act (“PIRA”), Chapter 399 of the Laws of 2011. This interim guidance will be in effect until JCOPE issues formal guidance on gifts and related matters. Other than as detailed below, and until formal guidance is issued, Advisory Opinion No. 08-01 remains in effect.”

The document explains the changes made to the Legislative Law relating to gifts through the Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011, but makes it clear that the gift-related guidance that was issued by the Commission on Public Integrity through AO 08-01 remains valid.

It is not clear when JCOPE will provide final guidance with respect to gifts, but this “Interim Guidance” should help the regulated community make it through the holiday season.