Can a legislator accept payments for a speaking engagement, writing an article or serving on a panel? It depends on where you serve—states are equally divided on this issue.
About half of states prohibit legislators from receiving honoraria if given for a matter related to a legislator’s official duties, subject to a few exceptions. The other roughly-half of states permit the receipt of honoraria. Most states in the latter group require disclosure, but some do not address honorarium by statute. In the absence of statutory direction, chamber rules or more general laws may govern, such as those that prohibit conflicts of interest or require income disclosure. States that allow honorarium typically stipulate that any payment received must not influence a legislator's official duties.