Legislator Gift Restrictions

Ethics

Most, if not all, states limit what gifts a legislator can accept. Gift restrictions are often seen as a way to ensure that gift-giving does not improperly influence official action, whether in appearance or reality. This page provides statutory gift definitions, restrictions and lists of gifts that qualify for exceptions in all 50 states, D.C. and the territories.

State laws setting gift restrictions often contain many nuances. The statutes on this page have been edited for length and clarity. Many of the finer details summarized below are not reflected in the table but can be found by consulting statutory text. Many gift restrictions are closely related to honorarium regulations. See more on NCSL’s Honorarium Restrictions page.

Generally, states define prohibited gifts, lay out the circumstances in which a legislator may accept a gift and define exceptions to the prohibitions. Some states include “gift” in their definition of a “thing of value” or an “expenditure.” Gifts of money or real property often encompass many forms of money transfers, financial benefits, loans, contracts and other types of property interest. A few states do not explicitly define “gift” but provide examples of restricted gifts that must be disclosed in financial reports.

Many states restrict direct and indirect gifts and specify that a person only violates the law if they “knowingly” give or receive a prohibited gift.

The type of gift, the circumstances in which it is given and who it is from may determine a gift’s legality. Some states only restrict gifts from lobbyists. Many states place looser limits on personal gifts from friends and family than gifts from lobbyists or other donors who may be perceived as attempting to influence a legislator. Some states specify that gifts from family are only exempt for relatives within a certain degree of consanguinity.

Plaques, trophies, and other mementos are often exempt from restrictions. Informational materials or accommodations at conferences related to a legislator’s official duties also commonly qualify for exceptions. Some states require legislators to get approval from their presiding officers or ethics commissions to accept a gift that qualifies for an exception.

Gift restrictions may specify the maximum allowable dollar value of a gift or the aggregate value of gifts that may be given per year. These limits range from a few dollars per gift or meal to a few hundred dollars in the aggregate from a single donor per year. However, a gift conditioned upon a legislator taking a particular course of official action may be improper regardless of the gift’s value.

States that do not have gift restrictions in statute may regulate legislators’ ability to accept gifts in administrative or chamber rules or general conflict of interest laws. Additionally, states that do not prohibit or limit a legislator’s ability to receive a gift may require the recipient or donor to report gifts in their financial disclosure processes. See NCSL’s webpages on Conflict of Interest Definitions, Lobbyist Activity Reporting Requirements and Financial Disclosures for more information.

NCSL provides these statutory resources for informational purposes only. This does not constitute legal advice.  

State	Definitions	Gift Restrictions	Exceptions
Alabama	"Thing of value" includes any gift, benefit, service or gratuity. This includes: Tickets to an entertainment, social or sporting event. Unsecured loans. Rewards. Promises of future employment. Honoraria. Other items of monetary value. Ala. Code § 36-25-1.	No person shall offer or give anything to a legislator or a member of their household for the purpose of corruptly influencing official action. No legislator shall solicit anything for themselves or a member of their family for these purposes. Ala. Code § 36-25-7. No legislator shall solicit or receive any money beyond what they receive in their official capacity for advice or assistance on matters concerning the legislature or lobbying the legislature. Ala. Code § 36-25-7. No lobbyist, subordinate of a lobbyist or principal shall offer or provide a thing of value to a legislator or their family member. No legislator or their family member shall solicit or receive such a thing of value. A lobbyist does not provide a thing of value by arranging, facilitating, or coordinating with their principal who is providing the thing of value. Ala. Code § 36-25-5.1.	Political contributions. Gifts from a Statmember or friend when clearly motivated by the personal relationship. Greeting cards, plaques, trophies, or promotional items commonly distributed to the public. Items or services of de minimis value. Ordinary loans. Opportunities and benefits available to the public or to all government employees. Rewards or prizes in public contests or events. Anything paid for by a governmental entity, except sporting event tickets offered by an educational institution to anyone other than faculty, staff, or administration. Compensation and benefits from a non-government employer, vendor, client, or other business relationship provided in the ordinary course of business unrelated to the recipient's public service. Assistance with a safety or health emergency. Transportation, lodging, registration and similar costs for the legislator and their spouse related to a widely attended educational function or event of which the legislator is a primary sponsor. The legislator must be a speaker, serve an official ceremonial function, or attendance must be related to official duties. Transportation and lodging related to an economic development function. Hospitality and meals provided to the legislator and their spouse at an educational function, economic development function, work session or widely attended event. Food and beverage provided in any other setting by a lobbyist up to $25 per meal and $150 per year. Food and beverage provided in any other setting by a lobbyist principal up to $50 per meal and $250 per year. Anything provided by an association or organization of which the state or legislator is a dues-paying member. Anything provided by an association or organization of which the legislator is a member and, because of his or her service to the association or organization, is deemed to be a public official. Reasonable compensation from a professional government association or corporation of which the legislator is an elected officer or director. Membership discounts on accommodations available to all members of an organization or association. Inheritance. Prohibitions on lobbyist gifts do not apply to items of de minimis value. Ala. Code § 36-25-5.1.
Alaska	Gifts subject to the $250 limit include: Money. Services. Loans. Travel. Entertainment. Hospitality Promises. Alaska Stat. Ann. § 24.60.080.	A legislator may not solicit or receive a gift worth $250 or more. A legislator may not solicit or receive multiple gifts worth less than $250 from the same person with an aggregate value of $250 or more in a calendar year. A legislator may not solicit or receive a gift with any monetary value from a lobbyist, a lobbyist’s immediate family member or a person acting on behalf of a lobbyist. Alaska Stat. Ann. § 24.60.080.	Hospitality and incidental transportation at a person’s residence, not including an out-of-state vacation home. Hospitality at a social event or meal. Discounts available to the public or a large class of persons. Discounts benefitting the state when on official state business. Food indigenous to the state shared as a cultural or social norm. Travel and hospitality to obtain information on matters of legislative concern. Gifts from immediate family. Gifts unconnected to the recipient's legislative status. Discounts or welcome gifts available to all legislators during and immediately preceding session. Legal services in a matter of legislative concern. Transportation from one legislator or employee to another that occurs in the state or on or in a means of transport owned or under the control of the donor. Contributions to, tickets to or gifts in connection with a charity event. Properly reported political contributions. Use of a legislator’s campaign’s bulk mailing permit. Property worth $250 or more from another government or from an official of another government that is accepted on behalf of the legislature. Volunteer or student legislative intern services for legislative purposes. Gifts solicited or accepted on behalf of a nonpolitical charitable organization. Alaska Stat. Ann. § 24.60.080. Exceptions to the prohibition on receiving gifts from lobbyists include: Food or nonalcoholic beverage with a value of $15. Food or nonalcoholic beverage at an event open to all legislators. Contributions and tickets to charity events, including gifts to which tickets may entitle the ticketholder, with an aggregate value of up to $250 from a single lobbyist in a calendar year. Gifts from immediate family that are unconnected with the recipient’s legislative status. Gifts delivered on the premises of a state facility accepted on behalf of a recognized nonpolitical charity. A gift to aid or comfort the recipient or their immediate family after a tragedy or emergency. Alaska Stat. § 24.60.075.
American Samoa	No statute found.	No statute found.	No statute found.
Arizona	“Gift” means: Money. Intangible personal property. Tangible personal or real property. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 41-1231.	A principal, lobbyist or anyone acting on their behalf shall not make an entertainment expenditure for a legislator. A legislator shall not accept such an expenditure. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 41-1232.08.	Inheritance. Expenditures related to a speaking engagement. Food or beverage. travel and lodging. Flowers. Salaries, benefits, and other employment expenses. Professional or consulting services that do not benefit any lobbyist principal, public body, or lobbyist. Expenses related to an event to which all members of the legislature, chamber or committee are invited. Plaques or other honorary recognition for a service or accomplishment. Informational material. An item that is not used and is returned or donated to charity within 15 days of receipt and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Properly reported campaign contributions. An item that is received at the same time or on a similar occasion as when the recipient gives an item of similar value to the giver. Personal gifts that the legislator customarily received before becoming a legislator. Items given to the public at an event. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 41-1231. Expenditures for entertainment related to a special event or incidental to a speaking engagement. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 41-1232.08
Arkansas	“Gift” means any: Payment. Entertainment. Services. Anything of value, unless consideration of equal or greater value has been given therefor. Advances or loans. AR Const. Art. 19, § 30, Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-402.	A legislator shall not solicit or accept a gift from a lobbyist or a person acting on a lobbyist’s behalf. A lobbyist shall not offer or pay for food or drink at more than one planned activity in a seven-day period. Ark. Const. art. XIX,§ 30. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House may, in their official capacity, accept gifts, grants and donations of money or property on behalf of the state for any lawful public purpose. Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-804.	Informational materials related to official duties. Travel. Reimbursement for expenses. An item that is not used and is returned within 30 days of receipt. Gifts from family, unless the giver is acting as an agent or intermediary for a non-family member. Anything readily available to the public at no cost. Food or drink at a planned activity to which a governmental body is invited. If a committee of the General Assembly is invited to the activity, only members of the committee may accept food or drink. Conference travel expenses paid by regional or national organizations including food, drink and items provided to registrants. Campaign contributions. Inheritance. Salaries, benefits, and other employment expenses or expenses related to service on a board of a corporation or organization. Expenses must be unrelated to official duties. Plaques, trophies or similar items with a value of $150 or less. The use of state-owned or operated facilities for a meeting of a specific governmental body. Nonalcoholic beverages at a meeting of a civic, social, or cultural organization or group. Food and nonalcoholic beverage provided to participants at a speaking engagement for a civic, social, or cultural organization or group. Anything of value provided by a political party at swearing-in, inaugural, recognition or other party event that is provided to all attendees. For other party events, all legislators affiliated with the party must be invited. AR Const. Art. 19, § 30 Food, lodging or travel related to official business. Anything with a value of $100 or less. This includes a thing of value for which the recipient reimburses the donor for any amount over $100 within 10 days of receipt. Wedding and engagement gifts. Tickets to a nonprofit’s in-state charitable fund-raising event. Items purchased by members of a government body with their personal funds that are presented to a fellow member in recognition of public service. Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-402.
California	“Gift” means any payment that confers a personal benefit on the recipient, for which consideration of equal or greater value is not received. This includes a rebate or discount. Cal. Gov. Code § 82028 “Gift” means a gift to any state candidate, elected state officer, or legislative official. Cal. Gov't Code § 86201. In some circumstances, loans are gifts. Cal. Gov. Code § 87462	It shall be unlawful for a lobbyist or lobbying firm to give one person gifts with an aggregate value of more than $10 in aggregate in one month. A lobbyist or lobbying firm may not act as an agent or intermediary in the making of any gift or arrange for the making of any gift by any other person. It is unlawful for any person to receive gifts in violation of this provision. Cal. Gov't Code § 86203, 86204 No legislator shall accept gifts from any single source in any calendar year with an aggregate value of more than $250. Cal. Gov't Code § 89503.	Informational materials. An item that is not used and is returned or donated to charity within 30 days of receipt and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Gifts from family, unless the giver is acting as an agent or intermediary for a non-family member. Campaign contributions. Inheritance. Personalized plaques and trophies with an individual value of less than $250. Ordinary rebates or discounts. Cal. Gov. Code § 82028 Travel, lodging and subsistence related to a legislative or governmental purpose when the recipient is giving a speech or which is provided by certain entities. Wedding, birthday, holiday and other similar gifts. The gifts exchanged may not be substantially disproportionate in value. Cal. Gov't Code § 89503, 89506. Certain policy fellow services. Cal. Gov. Code § 89504.8. Loans to campaign committees. Loans for which a creditor has taken reasonable action to collect on. Loans for which a creditor has not undertaken collection action for reasonable business reasons. Loans that are discharged in bankruptcy. Cal. Gov. Code § 87462.
Colorado	Gifts include: Loans. Rewards. Promises of future employment. Favors or services. Honoraria. Travel. Entertainment. Special discounts. Colo. Const. art. XXIX, § 3.	No legislator shall accept any money or debt forgiveness from any person unless the person receives lawful consideration of equal or greater value in return. No legislator shall solicit or accept any gift or other thing of value with a fair market value or aggregate actual cost of over $50 in a calendar year. A legislator may not be the beneficiary of such gifts given to an immediate family member. C.R.S.A. Const. Art. 29, § 3. No lobbyist shall offer, give, or arrange to give a gift to any legislator or to a member of their immediate family. A lobbyist shall not pay for a meal, beverage or other item for a legislator. A lobbyist shall not be prohibited from offering or giving a gift covered by this provision to a member of their immediate family. C.R.S.A. Const. Art. 29, § 3.	Campaign contributions. Unsolicited items with a value less than $50. Unsolicited awards of appreciation including plaques, trophies or similar items. Unsolicited informational materials related to official duties. Admission to and food or beverage at a reception, meal or meeting by an organization before whom the recipient appears to speak. Reasonable expenses paid by a nonprofit or other state or local government for attendance at a convention, fact-finding trip or other meeting if the recipient is scheduled speak or represent the state. The nonprofit must receive less than 5% of its funding from for-profit entities. Gifts from a relative or personal friend on a special occasion. Salaries, benefits and other employment incentives. C.R.S.A. Const. Art. 29, § 3.
Connecticut	“Gift” means anything of value which is directly and personally received unless consideration of equal or greater value is given in return. Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 1-79. Things of value subject to restriction include: Gifts. Loans. Political contributions. Promises of future employment. Rewards. Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 1-84.	No person shall offer or give to a legislator or their family members or an associated business anything of value based on an understanding that the gift will influence the legislator’s official action. No public official shall solicit or accept such a gift. No public official or a member of their immediate family or staff shall accept a gift from a lobbyist or a person acting on their behalf. No public official shall accept a gift from a person the official knows is doing business or seeking to do business with the department or agency overseen by the official or who is engaged in activities regulated by the department or agency. No public official or member of their family shall accept a gift of $100 or more from the official’s supervisor or supervisee. No public official shall give a gift that violates these restrictions. No public official or member of their staff or immediate family shall accept a gift from a lobbyist or anyone acting on a lobbyist’s behalf. Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 1-84. No lobbyist shall give a gift to any state official or a member of an official’s staff or immediate family. Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 1-97.	Properly reported political contributions. Certain donations of personal property for fundraisers. Purchases of advertising space in fundraising programs. Political volunteers. Ordinary loans. Gifts from family. Goods or services provided to a state agency for use on state property to facilitate state action or functions. Goods or services provided to a state agency to support an event or a public official’s participation at an event to facilitate state action or functions. Plaques, trophies or similar items costing less than $100. Rebates, discounts or promotional items available to the public. Informational materials related to state action, Food or beverage with an aggregate cost of less than $50 per recipient per year. Must be consumed when the donor or their representative is in attendance. Food or beverage costing less than $50 per person consumed at a publicly noticed legislative reception to which all legislators are invited or to which all legislators from a region of the state are invited and which is hosted once per year by a lobbyist or business organization. Gifts for the celebration of a major life event. Gifts from non-family members may not exceed $1000 in value. Gifts with an aggregate value of less than $100. Food or beverage at a hospitality suite of an interstate legislative association by a person who is not a lobbyist or is not doing business with Connecticut. Admission to a charitable or civic event, including food and beverage and excluding lodging or travel, at which the recipient participates in an official capacity. Anything of value customarily provided by the recipient’s or their spouse’s employer. Anything with a value of less than $10 up to $50 in the aggregate per donor per year. Training provided by a vendor for a product purchased by the state offered to all customers. Expenses paid by the party committee of the official’s party. Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 1-79.
Delaware	“Gift” means money, services or anything of value unless consideration of equal or greater value is received. Del. Code Ann. tit. 29, § 5812.	No state officer shall accept any compensation, gift, payment of expenses or any other thing of monetary value if accepting the gift may result in impairment of independent judgment in official duties, preferential treatment to a person, making a governmental decision outside official channels or any adverse effect on public confidence in the integrity of the government of the State. Del. Code Ann. tit. 29, § 5806.	Properly reported political contributions Ordinary loans Gifts from a spouse or relative. Del. Code Ann. tit. 29, § 5812.
District of Columbia	“Gift” means money, services, or anything of value, unless consideration of equal or greater value is received. D.C. Code Ann. § 1-1161.01	No lobbyist or anyone acting on their behalf shall offer or give a gift or service to a legislator more than $100 in value in aggregate per year. No legislator may solicit or accept such a gift. D.C. Code Ann. § 1-1162.31. A D.C. government entity may accept and use a gift if the mayor approves and the entity uses the gift for authorized functions or duties. The Council of D.C. may accept and use gifts without mayoral approval. D.C. Code Ann. § 1-329.01.	Properly reported campaign contributions Ordinary loans gifts from immediate family. D.C. Code Ann. § 1-1161.01 Funds raised for constituent service programs D.C. Code Ann. § 1-1162.31
Florida	“Gift” means something that is accepted by a recipient or by another on the recipient’s behalf for which equal or greater consideration is not given within 90 days. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 112.312.	No public officer shall solicit or accept anything of value based on an understanding that the public official’s official actions would be influenced by the gift. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 112.313.	Salaries, benefits, and other employment expenses, including those related to service as an officer or director of a corporation or organization. Properly reported political contributions or expenditures. Volunteer campaign services. Contributions or expenditures by political parties or affiliated party committees. Honoraria or event-related expenses paid to the recipient or their spouse. Plaques, trophies or similar items in recognition of service. Honorary membership in a service or fraternal organization. Use of public property made available by a government agency for a public purpose. Transportation provided by an agency in relation to government business. Gifts from an organization which promotes the exchange of ideas between, or the professional development of, governmental officials or employees, and whose membership is primarily composed of elected or appointed public officials or staff. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 112.312.
Georgia	“Gift” means any gratuitous transfer to a public officer or any member of their family or a loan of property or services which is not a contribution and which is more than $100. Ga. Code Ann. § 21-5-3. “Expenditure” includes: Gratuitous transfers. Subscriptions. Money. Services. Tickets to athletic, recreational, musical or other entertainment events. Anything of value unless consideration of equal or greater than face value is received. Ga. Code § 21-5-70	No lobbyist shall make any expenditure. No legislator shall knowingly accept an expenditure from a lobbyist. Ga. Code § 21-5-72.1.	The following things are defined as “contributions,” not gifts, and may be subject to contribution regulations: Anything of value conveyed for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of any person. Anything of value conveyed for the purpose of supporting or opposing a recall election. Anything of value conveyed for the purpose of influencing voter approval or rejection of a ballot measure. Ga. Code § 21-5-3 “Expenditures” do not include the following “lobbying expenditures:” Promotional items generally distributed to the public or public officers. Food and beverage produced in Georgia. Plaques, trophies or similar items in recognition of service. Discounts, memberships or other accommodations extended by a business to bona fide customers. Salaries, benefits and other employment expenses. Food, beverage and registration at group events to which all group members are invited. Properly reported campaign contributions or expenditures. Lodging, travel, food, beverage and registration expenses for a public officer and their staff for educational, charitable or civic meetings in the United States that are directly related to official duties. Reimbursement for transportation, travel, lodging, registration, food, and beverages. Ga. Code § 21-5-70
Guam	A gift may be: Money. Services. Prizes. Loans. Travel or hospitality. Entertainment. Other things. 4 G.C.A. § 15201.	No legislator shall solicit or accept any gift with an aggregate value of more than $200 individually or in the aggregate from a single source if a reasonable person would infer that the gift is intended to influence the legislator’s official duties or is intended as a reward for official action. 4 G.C.A. § 15201.	No statute found.
Hawaii	A gift may be: Money. Services. Loans. Travel or hospitality. Entertainment. Other things. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 84-11.	No legislator shall solicit or accept any gift if it can reasonably be inferred that the gift is intended to influence the legislator’s official actions or is intended as a reward for official action. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 84-11.	The following things are excluded from gift reporting requirements: Inheritance. Gifts from a trust. Gifts from family, unless the donor is acting as an agent or intermediary for a non-family member. Lawful political contributions. Anything available to the public. An item that is not used and is returned or donated to an educational or charitable organization within 30 days of receipt and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Exchanges of approximately equal value on holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 84-11.5.
Idaho		No legislator shall solicit or accept any pecuniary benefit in return for action on a bill, legislation, proceeding or official transaction from any person known to be interested in a bill, legislation, official transaction or proceeding. Idaho Code Ann. § 18-1356.	Gifts or benefits based on personal, professional or business relationships unrelated to the recipient’s official status. Trivial benefits of less than $50 involving no substantial risk of undermining impartiality. Properly reported lobbying expenditures. Idaho Code Ann. § 18-1356.
Illinois		No legislator, legislator’s spouse or legislator’s immediate family member living in their household shall solicit or accept a gift from a prohibited source. No prohibited source shall intentionally offer or make a gift that violates this provision. 5 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 430/10-10.	Opportunities, benefits and services available to the public. Lawful political contributions. Activities associated with political fundraising events. Educational materials and missions. Travel expenses for a meeting to discuss state business. Gifts from family. Gifts from a personal friend that are unrelated to the recipient’s official position. Food or refreshments catered or consumed on the premises where they were purchased or prepared up to $75 per person per day. Food, lodging, transportation and other benefits related to outside business or employment. Intra-governmental and inter-governmental gifts. Inheritance. Items from a single prohibited source with an aggregate value of less than $100 in a year. 5 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 430/10-15.
Indiana		A lobbyist may not give a legislator a gift with a value of $50 or more unless the lobbyist receives the legislator’s consent before giving the gift. The lobbyist must inform the legislator of the cost of the gift when seeking consent. Ind. Code Ann. § 2-7-5-8. A lobbyist may not pay for or reimburse a legislator’s out-of-state travel expenses. Ind. Code Ann. § 2-7-5-9.	Exception to the $50 gift prohibition: Gifts from family. Ind. Code Ann. § 2-7-5-8. Exception to the travel expense prohibition: Out-of-state travel expenses paid by an organization or corporation of which the legislator or their spouse is an officer, member of the board of directors, employee or independent contractor. Expenses for attendance at a public policy meeting if the legislator’s sole reason for attending is to speak. Ind. Code Ann. § 2-7-5-9.
Iowa	“Gift” means anything of value in return for which legal consideration of equal or greater value is not given and received. Iowa Code Ann. § 68B.2.	A legislator or their immediate family member shall not receive or solicit any gift from a restricted donor. A restricted donor shall not offer or give a gift to a legislator. Iowa Code Ann. § 68B.22. An organization or association which has as one of its purposes the encouragement of the passage, defeat, introduction or modification of legislation shall not give and a member of the general assembly shall not receive food, beverages, registration or scheduled entertainment in excess of three dollars per person. Iowa Code Ann. § 68B.22.	Nonmonetary gifts that are donated to a public body, the department of administrative services, or an educational or charitable organization within 30 days. Political contributions. Informational material related to official functions. Gifts from family. Inheritance. Anything free to the public. Anything given to all members of an organization of which the recipient is a dues-paying member. Food, beverages, registration, travel and lodging expenses for the days of a meeting at which the recipient is speaking or participating. Plaques or similar items of negligible value given as recognition for public service. Food and beverage at an event at which the recipient is being honored for public service. Nonmonetary items with a value of $3 or less received from any one donor during one day. Items or services related to a conference solicited by or given to a government organization of which the state is a member. Items received at a regularly scheduled event at a conference or meeting hosted by a government organization of which the state is a member. Funeral flowers or memorials to a church or nonprofit. 25th or 50th wedding anniversary gifts. Payment by an employer for the cost of attending a meeting of a subunit of an agency if the person serves in a subunit of the agency and does not receive compensation or reimbursement of from the state. In certain circumstances, food, beverage, travel or lodging when serving in a delegation attempting to attract a new business to the state. Gifts from a foreign citizen during a ceremonial presentation or because of the other country’s custom. Registration costs for informational meetings. Registration costs do not include food, drink, lodging and travel. Food, beverage and entertainment at a function to which all legislators were invited that takes place during session. Iowa Code Ann. § 68B.22
Kansas		No state officer, shall accept and no special interest shall offer or give: Anything with an aggregate value of $40 or more in a calendar year. Hospitality in the form of recreation with an aggregate value of $100 or more per year from a person known to have a special interest in influencing the officer’s official duties. No person licensed, inspected or regulated by an agency shall offer or give anything with an aggregate value of $40 or more in a calendar year to such agency, or an employee or officer thereof. “State agency” includes the legislature. No person with a special interest shall offer or give any economic opportunity, gift, loan, gratuity or similar thing valued with an aggregate value of $40 or more in a calendar year or hospitality in the form of recreation valued at $100 or more per year with a major purpose of influencing the officer in the performance of official duties. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-237. No legislator shall solicit any contribution to any organization for the purpose of paying for travel, subsistence and other expenses incurred by such legislator or other members of the legislature from attending and participating in meetings, programs and activities of such organization. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-237.	Hospitality in the form of food and beverages is presumed not to be given to influence a state officer in the performance of official duties unless conditioned on the official taking a particular course of official action. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-237 Other exceptions include: Properly reported campaign contributions. Ordinary loans. Gifts from foreign government agencies. Such gifts with an aggregate value of $100 or more must be accepted on behalf of the state. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-237. Travel, subsistence, entertainment and other expenses related to meetings and activities sponsored by a foreign government, foreign organization, international organization or any national, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established for the purpose of serving, informing, educating and strengthening state legislatures, when paid by such organization. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 46-237
Kentucky	“Anything of value” includes a gift. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 6.611.	A legislator or their spouse shall not solicit or accept anything of value from a legislative agent or a legislative agent employer. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 6.751. A legislative agent or their employer shall not provide out-of-state transportation or lodging for a legislator. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 6.747	Properly reported campaign contributions. Goods or services from the legislator’s employer or a person other than a legislative agent. Ordinary loans. Plaques, trophies or similar items with a value of less than $150. Promotional items with a value of less than $50. Informational items. Cost of attendance or participation and food and beverage at events to which all members of the Senate, House, committee or caucus are invited. Cost of attendance or participation and food and beverage at a government-sponsored event. Cost of attendance or participation and food and beverage at an in-state event to which the legislator is invited if approved by Legislative Research Commission. Gifts from a relative or household member. An item that is not used and is returned or donated to charity within 30 days of receipt and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Cost of attendance at an event hosted by multistate, national, civic, charitable, governmental, trade association or community organizations. Gifts between legislators. Services provided in an emergency. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 6.611. Transportation, food and lodging for out-of-state travel related to official duties. A legislative agent or their employer may provide food, beverage or local transportation for an event held in conjunction with a meeting of a multistate or national organization. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 6.747.
Louisiana	“Thing of economic value” includes: Money. Loans. Any property interest. Any promise or undertaking of a thing of value. La. Stat. Ann. § 42:1102.	No public servant shall receive anything of economic value for the performance of official duties. La. Stat. Ann. § 42:1111. No public servant shall solicit or accept anything of economic value as a gift or gratuity if the giver has or is seeking business or financial relationships with the legislature or receives compensation to influence the passage or defeat of legislation. La. Stat. Ann. § 42:1115. No person shall give a legislator food, drink, or refreshment valued in excess of $50 at a single event. No legislator shall receive more than $50 in food, drink and refreshment at any event, regardless of the number of givers. La. Stat. Ann. § 42:1115.1.	Promotional items of no substantial value. Food and drink while a personal guest. Transportation and entertainment while a personal guest. Food, drink or reasonable transportation related to educational or informational purposes. Public salary and benefits. Ordinary loans. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42:1102 Things received from a nonprofit for disaster aid or relief up to $25,000. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42:1111.1 Admission, lodging and transportation that directly benefits the legislature or will enhance the legislator’s knowledge or skill. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42:1115.2 Participation in the affairs of charitable, religious, nonprofit educational, public service or civic organizations. Lawful political party activities.  Campaign contributions. Admission to an event at which the recipient is an honoree or speaker. Food, refreshments, transportation and lodging related to making a speech in the U.S. or Canada. Flowers or a donation in connection to an immediate family member’s death up to $100. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 42:1123 Exceptions to the prohibition on receipt of food, drink or refreshment over $50 include: A gathering related to a national, regional or statewide organization if at least 10 persons associated with the organization are invited. La. Stat. Ann. § 42:1115.1.
Maine	“Gift” means anything of value, including debt forgiveness, given without equal or greater consideration given in return. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 1, § 1012.	A conflict of interest exists if a legislator or a member of their immediate family accepts gifts from persons affected by legislation or who have an interest in an entity affected by proposed legislation and the legislator knows or reasonably should know that the purpose of the gift is to influence their official duties or is intended as a reward for official action. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 1, § 1014.	Gifts from a single source during a reporting period with an aggregate value of $300 or less. Inheritance. Gifts from family or personal friends who are not lobbyists unless the gift is provided because of the legislator’s official position. News publication subscriptions. Legal services in a matter of legislative ethics. Prayer breakfast meals. Meals provided by industry or special interest organizations as part of an informational program for public servants. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 1, § 1012. Properly reported campaign contributions. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 1, § 1014
Maryland		A legislator may not solicit gifts for personal use. A legislator may not accept a gift if they know the gift is from a lobbyist, a person doing or seeking to do business with the legislature, a person with a financial interest that may be uniquely affected by legislative action or an association, or any entity acting on behalf of an association, that is engaged only in representing counties or municipal corporations. Md. Gen. Provis. § 5-505. An official or employee may not accept an exempted gift if the gift would impair the legislator’s impartiality and independent judgment. A legislator may not accept an exempted gift if it is of significant value and the gift would give the appearance of impairing impartiality and independent judgment or the legislator believes the gift is designed to impair their judgment. Md. Gen. Provis. § 5-505.	Food or beverage consumed in the presence of the donor or sponsoring entity at a meal or reception to which all members of a legislative unit were invited. Food or beverage from a donor or sponsoring entity located in a county within the legislator’s district at an event in the county when the legislature is not in session. Food or beverage at a legislative organization meeting, subject to presiding officer approval. Ceremonial gifts or awards of insignificant monetary value. Unsolicited gifts from a lobbyist that are not meals or alcoholic beverages and that do not exceed $20. Trivial gifts of informational value. Food, travel, lodging or entertainment for a meeting at which the legislator is a speaker. Food, travel, lodging or entertainment expenses related to a legislative conference, subject to presiding officer approval. Tickets or admission to a charitable, cultural or political event from the event’s sponsor if the legislator is invited as a courtesy or ceremony to the office. Gifts clearly offered in the context of a legislator’s outside employment. Miscellaneous gifts not exceeding $20. Md. Gen. Provis. § 5-505, Ethics Guide 2024
Massachusetts		It is unlawful to give, offer or promise anything of value to a legislator with the intent to influence an official act, to influence the legislator to commit or aid in committing fraud, to induce a legislator to violate their lawful duty or to induce other corrupt action. It is unlawful for a legislator to accept a thing of value given under these circumstances. Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 268A, § 2.
Michigan	“Gift” means anything of value which exceeds $25 in any one-month period, unless consideration of equal or greater value is exchanged. This includes anything to aid the defense of a legislator against legal action not directly related to their governmental duties. Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 4.414.	A lobbyist or anyone acting on a lobbyist’s behalf shall not give a gift or loan. Mich. Comp. Laws § 4.421	Properly reported campaign contributions. Ordinary loans. Gifts from family. Food and beverage for immediate consumption. Contributions to a legal defense fund whose purpose is to defend an elected official against any action that arises from official duties. Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 4.414
Minnesota	“Gift” means the following when given and received without consideration of equal or greater value in return: Money. Property. Services. Loans. Debt forgiveness. Promise of future employment. Minn. Stat. Ann. § 10A.071.	A lobbyist or principal may not give a gift or request that another person give a gift to a legislator. A legislator may not accept a gift from a lobbyist or principal. Minn. Stat. Ann. § 10A.071.	Political contributions. Consultation, information, constituent services and other services to assist with official duties. Services of insignificant monetary value. Plaques, informational material, or mementos with a value of $5 or less. Food or a beverage at a reception, meal or meeting held by an organization before whom the recipient appears to speak, or if all legislators were invited. Gifts given because of the recipient's membership in a group. Other group members must receive an equivalent gift. Gifts from a lobbyist or principal who is a family member, unless the gift is given on behalf of a non-family member. Minn. Stat. Ann. § 10A.071.
Mississippi	“Gift” means anything of value from a lobbyist, to the extent that consideration of equal or greater value is not received. “Anything of value” means: Money. Loans. Debt forgiveness. Gifts or tangible goods. Works of art, antiques or collectibles. Means of personal transportation. Real property. Honorarium or compensation for services. Rebates or discounts. the sale or trade of something for reasonable compensation that is not available to the public. A promise or offer of employment. Any other thing of value. A payment that directly benefits a legislator or a member of their immediate family. Miss. Code. Ann. § 5-8-3.		Ordinary rebates or discounts. Informational material related to official duties. A certificate, plaque or commemorative item with little pecuniary value. Food and beverage from a lobbyist for immediate consumption with an aggregate value of up to $10 per year. Properly reported campaign contributions. Miss. Code. Ann. § 5-8-3.
Missouri	“Expenditure” includes: Gifts, honoraria or items of value. Food or beverage. Reduced or waived prices or fees. Reduced or forgiven loans or debt. Mo. Ann. Stat. § 105.470.	No legislator shall act or refrain from acting because of the promise or receipt of anything of actual pecuniary value to themselves or another person that is promised or given in relationship to or as a condition of the performance of an official act. This includes any gift. Mo. Ann. Stat. § 105.452. No legislator shall accept a gift of any tangible or intangible item, service, or thing of value from a paid lobbyist or lobbyist principal. MO Const. Art. 3, § 2.	Gifts from family that are unrelated to lobbying. Informational material related to official duties. Souvenirs or mementos valued at less than $10. Properly reported campaign contributions. ordinary loans. Anything of de minimis value available to the public, if the gift is not motivated by the recipient's official status as a public official, employee, spouse or dependent child of a public official. Items, services or opportunities that are necessary to perform official duties. This may include entrance fees to events at which the legislator is participating in a ceremony, presentation or meeting. Employment benefits. Mo. Ann. Stat. § 105.470. Lawful campaign contributions. Gifts or family support from relatives. MO Const. Art. 3, § 2.
Montana	“Gift of substantial value” means a gift with a value of $100 or more. Mont. Code Ann. § 2-2-102. An economic benefit tantamount to a gift includes: Loans at substantially lower interest rates than the commercial rate. Compensation for private services that substantially exceeds the fair market value. Mont. Code Ann. § 2-2-104	A legislator may not accept a gift of substantial value or a substantial economic benefit tantamount to a gift that would improperly influence the legislator’s public duties or that is given primarily for the purpose of rewarding the legislator for an official action. Mont. Code Ann. § 2-2-104	An item that is not used and is returned or donated to charity within 30 days of receipt and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Food and beverage consumed when participating in a charitable or civic event related to the legislator’s official position. Educational material related to official duties. A publicly presented award in recognition of public service. Educational activity that does not place or appear to place the recipient under obligation, clearly serves the public good and is not lavish or extravagant. Properly reported campaign contributions. Mont. Code Ann. § 2-2-102, 2-2-104.
Nebraska	Gift means any money, services, or anything of value unless consideration of equal or greater value is given in return. Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 49-1423.	No principal, lobbyist or person acting on behalf of either shall give a legislator or a member of their immediate family gifts with an aggregate value of more than $50 in one month. No legislator shall accept such gifts. Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 49-1490. A legislator or a member of their immediate family shall not accept travel or lodging if the gift is made to allow the family member to accompany the legislator in the performance of official duties. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 49-14,101.01	Properly reported campaign contributions. Ordinary loans. Gifts from relatives. Meals or refreshments for immediate consumption. Occasional in-state transportation. Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 49-1423. Admission to a state-owned facility or state-sponsored event from the sponsoring agency, a political subdivision or a publicly funded postsecondary educational institution. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 49-1490
Nevada		A legislator shall not seek or accept any gift, service, employment, engagement, emolument or economic opportunity on behalf of themselves or someone they have a private relationship with if the gift would improperly influence the legislator in the performance of their public duties. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 281A.400. Legislator gift rules are further regulated by the Standing Rules of the Legislative Department of State Government. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 281A.420.
New Hampshire	Money. Tangible or intangible things or services with a value of more than $50. Multiple tangible or intangible things or services of less than $50 each with an aggregate value of $250 or more. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14-C:2.	It is unlawful to give a gift to a legislator. It is unlawful to give a gift to a legislator’s household member with the purpose of influencing the legislator’s official conduct. It is unlawful for a legislator to solicit or accept a gift. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14-C:3	Legal services retained for the purpose of addressing a complaint or petition. The attorney may not be a lobbyist. Properly reported political contributions. Ordinary loans. Repayment of a bona fide loan. Plaques, trophies or similar items with a value of $150 or less. Informational materials or services provided in the ordinary course of business. Private or personal gifts unrelated to the legislator’s official position. Salary and other employment benefits. Tickets or admission to certain political, charitable or ceremonial events with an aggregate value of up to $250 from a single source. Expense reimbursements. Honoraria. Meals and beverages with a value of more than $50 consumed at a meeting or event convened to discuss official business with an aggregate value of up to $250 from any single source per year. Certain awards. Gifts, grants or donations related to an official meeting, conference or event of a state or national legislative association of which the legislature is a dues-paying member. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14-C:2. Gifts solicited or accepted on behalf of an official meeting, conference or event held in New Hampshire of a state or national legislative association to which the legislature is a dues-paying member. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14-C:3
New Jersey	“Reasonable expenditures for travel or subsistence” means commercial travel rates directly to and from an event and moderate food and lodging expenses that are not elaborate or excessive. “Allowable entertainment expenses” means moderate costs for a guest speaker, incidental music and other ancillary entertainment at any meal at an event that are not elaborate or excessive. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 52:13D-24	No lobbyist shall give gifts to a legislator or a legislator’s immediate family or household member totaling more than $250 in a calendar year. No legislator or a member of their immediate family may accept such gifts. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:13C-21b, 52:13D-24.1. No legislator shall solicit or receive any gift for any service, advice, assistance, appearance, speech or any matter related to their official duties. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 52:13D-24. Allowable travel expenses do not include personal recreation costs, such as being a spectator at or engaging in a sporting or athletic activity which may occur as part of that event. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 52:13D-24	Lobbyist gift restrictions do not apply to lobbyists who are immediate family members of a legislator. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 52:13C-21b. Anything given in the course of employment. Gifts for which the donor is fully reimbursed within 90 days of acceptance. The reimbursement must be equal to the money accepted or the fair market value of the gift. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 52:13C-21b. A gift or thing of value from the state of New Jersey. Reasonable fees for published books related to the legislator’s official duties Travel, subsistence and allowable entertainment expenses related to an in-state event. Out-of-state travel and subsistence expenses up to $500 per trip. The $500 limit does not apply to reimbursements from a nonprofit of which the legislator or legislature is a dues-paying member, a nonprofit that does not contract with the state, a federal agency, an agency of another state(s) or a political subdivision of another state. Properly reported campaign contributions. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 52:13D-24
New Mexico	“Gift” means Money. Property. Services. Loans. Food. Lodging and transportation. Tickets to entertainment or sporting events Any other thing of value N.M. Stat. Ann. § 10-16B-2. “Restricted donor” means a person who: Is or is seeking to do business or contract with the gift recipient’s agency. Will be uniquely, directly and substantially affected by the recipient’s performance of official duties, or who represents such a person. Is personally the subject of or party to a matter pending before an agency over which the recipient has authority, or who represents such a person. Is a lobbyist or a client of a lobbyist with respect to matters within the recipient’s jurisdiction. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 10-16B-2.	No legislator may request or receive, and no person may offer, any money or thing of value in exchange for promised performance of an official act. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 10-16-3. A legislator or their family shall not accept from a restricted donor and a restricted donor shall not give them a gift with a market value greater than $250. A lobbyist, their employer or a government contractor shall not give gifts with an aggregate market value of more than $1,000 in a year to any one legislator. A legislator shall not solicit gifts for a charity from a business or corporation regulated by the agency for which the state officer or employee works. A legislator shall not otherwise solicit donations for a charity in a way that makes it appear that the gift is intended to influence the legislator in the performance of an official duty. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 10-16B-3.	Lawful campaign contributions and expenditures. Gift motivated by family or close personal relationships. Ordinary compensation for services or investments. Payments for a sale or lease of property that is not enhanced because of the recipient’s position as a legislator. Ordinary loans. Reimbursement for services. Gifts accepted on behalf of and to be used by the state, including travel, subsistence and related expenses accepted by a state agency that are related to the legislator’s official duties. Reasonable expenses for educational programs directly related to official duties. Retirement gifts. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 10-16B-2.
New York	“Gift” means anything of more than nominal value, including: Money. Services. Loans. Travel and lodging. Meals and refreshments. Entertainment. Discounts. N.Y. Legis. Law § 1-c.	No lobbyist or a member of their family shall offer or give a gift to any legislator or their family, unless it is not reasonable to infer that the gift was intended to influence the legislator under the circumstances. N.Y. Legis. Law § 1-m.	Attendance, food and beverage at charitable or political events. Attendance, food and beverage offered by the sponsor of a widely attended event related to official duties. Plaques, trophies or similar items in recognition of public service. Honorary degrees. Promotional items with no substantial resale value. Goods, services and discounts offered to the public. Gifts primarily motivated by a family, household or personal relationship. Political contributions. Travel, meals and accommodations for an attendee or speaker at an informational event. The expense must be paid by a governmental entity or an in-state institution of higher education hosting the event on its campus. Provision of local transportation to inspect or tour in-state facilities or property. Meals or refreshments provided to all participants at a professional or educational program. Food or beverage valued at $15 or less. N.Y. Legis. Law § 1-c.
North Carolina	Anything of monetary value given or received without valuable consideration by or from a lobbyist, lobbyist principal or liaison personnel. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 138A-3	No lobbyist or lobbyist principal may give a gift to a legislator. This prohibition also applies to gifts given with the intent that a legislator be the ultimate recipient. N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 120C-303. A legislator shall not solicit or receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the discharge of official responsibilities. A legislator shall not knowingly accept a gift from a lobbyist, lobbyist principal or liaison personnel. N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 138A-32. A prohibited gift must be promptly declined, returned, paid for at fair market value or donated to charity or the state. N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 138A-32.	Gifts to a nonpartisan legislative organization of which the legislature or legislator is a member. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 120C-303. Ordinary loans that are not made for lobbying. Ordinary contracts or commercial arrangements that are not made for lobbying. Anything of value. Expressions of condolence, including flowers, food, beverage or donations of up to $200 to an organization or the state. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 138A-3 Food and beverage for immediate consumption at certain meetings. Informational materials related to official duties. Certain food, beverage, travel, lodging, registration and other incidental expenses at educational meetings related to official duties, appearance as a speaker at an event, or at meetings of an organization of which the legislature or legislator is a member. Plaques or similar nonmonetary mementos recognizing services in a field or to a charitable cause. Gifts accepted on behalf of the state for state use. Anything from a lobbyist or principal that is available to the general public or all state employees. Gifts from family and household members. Gifts related to a business, civic, personal or other relationship unrelated to the legislator’s official position. The gift must be made under circumstances that a reasonable person would conclude was not lobbying. Food and beverage for immediate consumption and related transportation from a lobbyist principal during an event. The donor must not be a lobbyist. The gift must be available to all similar attendees. This exception only applies if the recipient works for the principal or for a third party who is the recipient. N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 138A-32.
North Dakota	Gifts are further defined and regulated by administrative rule.	It is unlawful for any person to give or agree to give any valuable thing to any person in exchange for passage or defeat of any measure before the legislature. It is unlawful for any person to receive a gift under such circumstances. N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 54-05.1-06. When a lobbyist offers a gift of a non-information-bearing nature to a legislator, the lobbyist shall, upon request, supply the cost of the gratuity and allow the legislator to pay the cost of and receive the gift. N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 54-05.1-05.
Northern Marianas Islands	"Gift" means a payment or enrichment for which consideration of equal or greater value is not received. C.N.M.I. Code Ann. tit. 1, § 8503	No person shall give a legislator or a member of their immediate family, and they shall not accept, an anonymous gift. No person shall give a legislator or a member of their immediate family, and they shall not accept, a gift based on an understanding that the gift will influence the legislator’s official actions. It shall be presumed that a nonmonetary gift with a value of less than $50 does not involve such an understanding. No person who has an economic interest in a specific state business service or regulatory transaction that a legislator is working on shall give that legislator or a member of their immediate family, and they shall not accept, cash or any gift other than an occasional gift with a value of less than $50. A legislator or member of their immediate family shall not solicit or accept a gift from a person who is regulated by the legislature or who has been regulated by them in the last year or who is or is seeking to provide goods or services to a member of the legislature. C.N.M.I. Code Ann. tit. 1, § 8551 No legislator or a member of their immediate family shall solicit anything in return for advice or assistance on matters concerning commonwealth business. C.N.M.I. Code Ann. tit. 1, § 8553	A rebate or discount made in the ordinary course of business. Informational materials A gift that is not used and is returned or donated to charity within 30 days of receipt. The gift must not be claimed as a donation for tax purposes. Gifts from family, unless the donor is acting as an agent or intermediary for a non-family member. Inheritance. Plaques or trophies that do not exceed $500 in value. Properly reported campaign contributions. C.N.M.I. Code Ann. tit. 1, § 8503 Publicly presented public service awards. Ordinary loans. Reasonable travel, entertainment, meal and other expenses related to official business. C.N.M.I. Code Ann. tit. 1, § 8551
Ohio	Anything of value means: Money. Goods. Property. Promise of future employment. Political contributions. Every other thing of value. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 1.03	No legislator shall use or authorize the use of official authority or influence to secure anything of value that substantially and improperly influences them in their official duties. No person shall promise or give such a thing to a legislator. No legislator shall solicit or accept anything of value that substantially and improperly influences them in their official duties. No person shall promise or give such a thing to a legislator. No legislator shall accept any of the following from a legislative agent: Money. Anything with a value of more than $75. Payment for food and beverage with an aggregate value of more than $75 per year. Travel or lodging expenses. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 102.031	Legislators can accept the following from legislative agents, subject to any aggregate limits: Food and beverage at a meeting at which the recipient is a speaker. Food and beverage at a meeting of a national organization of which any state agency, including the legislature, is a dues-paying member. Food and beverage at a function to which all legislators or all members of the chamber are invited. Contributions, food and beverage or travel expenses related to official duties. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 102.031. Travel, lodging and meals in connection with conferences related to official duties if the expenses do not substantially and improperly influence the recipient in their official duties. Lawful campaign contributions. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 102.03
Oklahoma	Oklahoma law requires the state ethics commission to regulate ethics via rules and regulations. Okla. Const. art. XXIX, § 3.
Oregon	“Gift” means something of economic value given to a legislator or a member of their family or household without consideration of equivalent value. This includes special debt forgiveness or discounts. Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 244.020.	A legislator or their relative or member of their household may not solicit or receive gifts with an aggregate value of over $50 from a single source with a legislative or administrative interest. A person with a legislative or administrative interest may not offer such gifts. Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 244.025.	Political contributions. Gifts from relatives or household members. Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation with a resale value less than $25. Informational material related to official duties. Admission to or food and beverage at a reception, meal or meeting held by an organization at which the legislator represents the state. This may extend to the legislator’s family, household member or staff. Reasonable attendance expenses paid by a unit of government, a nonprofit or a membership organization to which a public body pays dues for a conference, convention or fact-finding trip at which the legislator will speak or represent the state. Contributions to a legal expense trust fund. Reasonable food, travel or lodging expenses for the legislator, a member of their household or their staff when representing the state on a trade, fact-finding or other negotiation-related trip. Food and beverage in certain business-related circumstances when acting in an official capacity. Registration expenses or materials provided at continuing education events for professional licensing requirements. In-state travel expenses provided by one public official to another for an event at which the recipient participates in an official capacity. Incidental food or beverage at a reception. Entertainment incidental to another event. Entertainment provided to a legislator or member of their household where the legislator is representing the state for a ceremonial purpose. Anything of economic value in the usual course of the legislator’s private business. Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 244.020.
Pennsylvania	“Gift” means anything received without consideration of equal or greater value. “Hospitality” includes food, beverage recreation and entertainment. 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 13A03.	No person shall offer or give to a legislator or associated person anything of monetary value, including a gift, loan, political contribution, reward or promise of future employment based on the understanding that the legislator’s official action will be influenced by the gift. A legislator shall not accept such a thing. 65 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 1103.	Properly reported political contributions. Ordinary loans. Transportation and lodging. Hospitality. Hospitality does not include transportation or lodging, though those things are separately exempt from the definition of gift.
Puerto Rico	The legislature may adopt its own ethics policies.
Rhode Island		No legislator, member of their immediate family or a business associate of the legislator’s shall solicit or accept any gift, loan, political contribution, reward or promise of future employment based on an understanding that the legislator’s official action would be influenced by the gift. No person shall give a legislator such a gift. RI ST § 36-14-5.
South Carolina	Thing of value includes: Money. Goods. Loans or loan forgiveness. Works of art, antiques or collectibles. A car or other means of personal transportation. Real property. Honoraria. Promises or offers of employment. Any other items of pecuniary or compensatory worth. S.C. Code Ann. § 2-17-10	A lobbyist shall not offer, or provide to or on behalf of any legislator or any of their employees: lodging, transportation, entertainment, any thing of value or campaign contributions. Legislators and their employees shall not solicit or receive such things from a lobbyist. S.C. Code Ann. § 2-17-80. No lobbyist's principal may offer or provide to a legislator, and no legislator may accept, lodging, transportation, entertainment, food, meals, beverages or an invitation to a function paid for by a lobbyist's principal exceeding $50 per day up to $400 per year. S.C. Code Ann. § 2-17-90.	Printed information or promotional material under $10 in value. Plaques or trophies under $150 in value. Educational material directly related to official responsibilities. Honorary degrees. Properly reported campaign contributions. S.C. Code Ann. § 2-17-10 Any prohibited thing given to a legislator on the same terms or at the same expense to a member of the public. Emergency assistance from a lobbyist or their principal. Gifts from family. S.C. Code Ann. § 2-17-80. Functions to which all legislators of a chamber, committee or other subgroup of legislators are invited. Invitations to conferences for organizations of which the legislature is a dues-paying member. Activities related to economic development efforts. Prohibited things given to the legislator solely because their spouse is an official or employee of the donor-lobbyist’s principal and the gift is incidental to the spouse’s employment there. S.C. Code Ann. § 2-17-90.
South Dakota	Gift means anything of value, including any object, money, property or service, that is given without compensation or remuneration. S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 2-12-18	No legislator or their immediate family may accept from any lobbyist or principal any gifts with a cumulative value of more than $100 per year. S.D. Codified Laws § 2-12-16. Any person who offers or gives gifts for the purpose of influencing legislative action is guilty of a misdemeanor. S.D. Codified Laws § 2-12-9.	Political contributions. Services or events to assist with official duties. Services or events to educate a legislator on matters of public policy. Advice or information on actual or proposed legislation. Services to constituents or to promote the economic development of the state. Food, entertainment or beverage for immediate consumption. Gifts between immediate family members. Admission to a state-owned facility or state-sponsored industry or event if the sponsor pays the cost. Anything of value received due to membership in a group, the majority of whose membership is not comprised of public officials, if the thing of value is also given to other members, officers or directors of that group. Education-related scholarships, prizes, or financial support that are available to the public. S.D. Codified Laws § 2-12-18
Tennessee	“Gift” means any payment, honorarium, subscription, loan, money or services unless consideration of equal or greater value is received. Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-301.	No lobbyist, lobbyist employer or person action on their behalf shall offer anything of value to a legislator or their immediate family based on an understanding that the gift will influence the legislator’s official action. No legislator or member of their staff or immediate family shall solicit or accept such a gift. No lobbyist shall make a loan to a legislator, or to anyone on their behalf. No legislator or member of their staff or immediate family shall accept such a loan. No lobbyist shall pay a legislator compensation for property or services substantially more than that charged in the ordinary course of business. No lobbyist, lobbyist employer or person acting on their behalf shall pay lodging expenses for a legislator or a member of their immediate family. Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-304.	Properly reported campaign contributions. Ordinary loans. Gifts from family. Registration fee waivers fee for conferences or educational seminars. Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-301. Outside employment or similar benefits. Informational materials. Nonbusiness gifts from close personal friends. Samples and appreciation tokens given in the ordinary course of business. Unsolicited plaques, trophies or similar items. Honorary degrees. Opportunities and benefits available to all members of a class of the general public, including prizes and discounts. Out of stateOut-of-state travel expenses from a governmental entity or a recognized organization of government officials or staff. Entertainment, food, refreshments, beverages, party favors, promotional items, health screenings, lodging or admission tickets at a conference sponsored by a recognized organization of government officials or staff, an in-state event to which all legislators are invited, or an in-state event at which the legislator or their immediate family member is speaking. In-state events are subject to certain dollar limits and restrictions on what lobbyists can and cannot provide. Occasional or incidental local travel that is typically free of charge. Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-6-305.
Texas	“Expenditure” means a gift of money or anything of value. Tex. Gov. Code Ann. § 305.002	Lobbyists may not offer or provide loans, money, transportation, lodging, entertainment of over $500 per year, other gifts that exceed $500 per year, awards or mementos in excess of $500 or attendance at political fundraisers or charity events. A legislator may not solicit or accept such a gift. Tex. Gov't Code Ann. § 305.024.	Food or beverage with a value of $50 or less that is otherwise required to be disclosed in lobbyist reports. Tex. Gov't Code Ann. § 305.024 Ordinary loans. Loans or gifts from relatives. Transportation and lodging related to official duties. Transportation, lodging, food, beverage and entertainment at a conference or other event at which the legislator is a speaker. Political contributions. Various incidental transportation expenditures. Tex. Gov. Code Ann. § 305.025
Utah	Expenditure means: Money or loans. Gift. Goods or services. Property. Admission to an event. Utah Code Ann. § 36-11-102.	A lobbyist, principal or government officer may not make or offer to make aggregate daily expenditures that exceed the reimbursement rate for food or beverage or $10 for other types of expenditures. Utah Code Ann. § 36-11-304.	Ordinary loans. Properly reported campaign contributions. Informational material related to official duties. Inheritance. Gifts from relatives. Compensation unrelated to the legislator’s official position. Food or beverage that does not exceed the reimbursement rate. Items with an aggregate value of less than $10 per day. Food or beverage at an event to which all similarly situated legislators are invited. Food or beverage at an event at which the legislator is speaking or receiving an award. Publicly presented personalized awards. Items accepted on behalf of and promptly turned over to the state. Publications or commemorative items not exceeding $30 in value. Admission to political and charitable fundraisers. Travel, lodging, food and beverage at approved activities. Sponsorship of approved activities. Admission or travel to a widely attended government-sponsored event related to official duties. Travel to a widely attended event related to official duties if the travel results in financial savings to the state. Utah Code Ann. § 36-11-102 Lobbyist, principal or government officer expenditures may exceed daily limits in the following circumstances: Food and beverage. Travel or lodging. Admission to a tour or meeting. Expenditures solely unrelated to the legislator’s official position. Utah Code Ann. § 36-11-304.
Vermont	"Expenditure" includes a gift. "Gift" means Political contribution. Anything of value bestowed for less than adequate consideration. Travel expenses. Meals or alcoholic beverages. Tickets or other expenses for sporting, recreational or entertainment events Speaking fees or honoraria. Loans made on terms more favorable than those available to the general public. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 2, § 261.	A legislator may not solicit a gift from a lobbyist or lobbyist employer. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 2, § 266 Lobbyists may not give legislators monetary gifts. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 2, § 264	An item that is not used and is returned or donated to charity within 30 days of receipt. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 2, § 261, 264 Gifts between immediate family members. Printed educational material. Inheritance. Travel expenses related to speaking engagements. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 2, § 261 A legislator may solicit a charitable contribution from a lobbyist. A legislator may solicit political contributions from a lobbyist when the legislature is not in session. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 2, § 266
Virgin Islands	No statute found.
Virginia	“Gift” means any item with monetary value, including services, travel, lodging and food. Va. Code Ann. § 30-101.	A legislator may not accept a gift that reasonably tends to influence their performance of official duties. A legislator may not accept a gift from a person whose interests are substantially affected by the performance of official duties. Va. Code Ann. § 30-103. No legislator or a member of their family may accept gifts with an aggregate value of over $100 per year. Gifts with a value of less than $20 do not count toward that limit. Va. Code Ann. § 30-103.1.	Tickets or admission, unless the ticket or admission is used. Honorary degrees. Educational financial aid available to the general public. Properly reported campaign contributions. Gift related to a legislator’s or their immediate family member’s private profession or volunteer service. Food or beverage at an event at which the legislator is performing official duties. Food, beverage, registration or attendance fees at an event at which a legislator is a speaker. Unsolicited awards including plaques, trophies or similar items. Inheritance. Properly disclosed travel. Government-funded travel. Travel related to a regular or special session, a legislative committee or commission meeting or an approved national conference. Travel or food at a meeting of a governmental unit or nonprofit of which the legislator has been appointed or elected or is a member. Gifts with a value of less than $20. Attendance at a function where food and beverage that can be conveniently consumed while standing or walking are offered. Gifts from relatives or personal friends. Va. Code Ann. § 30-101 Food and beverage, entertainment or admission with a value of over $100 at a widely attended event. Certain gifts from foreign dignitaries who are not representing a country of concern. Va. Code Ann. § 30-103.1.
Washington	Thing of economic value includes: Loans Property. Contracts. Wash. Rev. Code § 42.52.010	No legislator may receive or solicit anything of economic value as a gift if it could be reasonably expected to influence the legislator’s official action or be considered as a reward for action or inaction. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 42.52.140. A legislator may not accept gifts with an aggregate value of over $50 from a single source in a year. A legislator may not accept a single gift from multiple sources with a value of over $50. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 42.52.150.	The following items may be accepted regardless of the $50 gift limit: Unsolicited flowers and plants. Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value. Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation, including plaques, trophies or similar items. Unsolicited items received for the purpose of evaluation or review. Informational material related to official duties. Food and beverage consumed at receptions related to official duties. Gifts for the legislative international trade account. Gifts for promoting tourism expansion. Gifts solicited on behalf of and received by a national or regional legislative association for the purpose of hosting an official conference. Admission to and food and beverage at civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization events. Unsolicited personal gifts from foreign or out-of-state dignitaries. Gifts from any agency or private source related to specified energy research programs. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 42.52.150.
West Virginia	“Thing of value” includes gifts. W. Va. Code § 6B-1-3	A public official may not solicit any gift. No official may accept any gift from a lobbyist or other person who is doing or seeking to do business with the official’s agency; is regulated by the official’s agency; or has financial interests which may be uniquely substantially and materially affected, by the performance of the official’s official duties. W. Va. Code Ann. § 6B-2-5.	Officials may solicit lawful political contributions. Officials may solicit charitable contributions that do not directly benefit the official or their immediate family. This exception does not allow officials to solicit from another state official or employee who is the solicitor’s subordinate. Officials may accept the following gifts unless there is direct evidence that the gift impaired or was intended to impair the official’s impartiality and judgment: Meals and beverages. Ceremonial gifts or awards with insignificant monetary value. Unsolicited gifts of nominal value. Trivial informational items. Food, travel and lodging expenses for a meeting at which the official is a speaker. Customary tickets or admission to charitable, cultural or political events. personal and private gifts. Gifts from household or family members. With approval, legislators may solicit donations for a legislative organization function held in the state for the purpose of deferring state costs. The legislature must be a dues- paying member of the organization and the organization must assist state legislatures and staff in their work and operations. W. Va. Code Ann. § 6B-2-5.
Wisconsin	“Anything of value” includes any money, property, favor, service, loan or promise of future employment. “Gift” means the payment or receipt of anything of value without valuable consideration. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 19.42.	No person may offer or give to a legislator, and no legislator may solicit or accept, anything of value that could reasonably be expected to influence the legislator’s official actions, or could reasonably be considered a reward for official action or inaction. A legislator may not use or disclose non-public information gained in the course of official duties in a way that could result in the receipt of anything of value for themselves, their family or any other person. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 19.45.	Compensation and expenses paid by the state. Certain properly reported fees and expenses related to speaking engagements. Properly reported political contributions. Hospitality unrelated to state business from a person other than an organization. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 19.42.
Wyoming	“Gift” means anything of value to the extent that consideration of equal or greater value is not received. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 9-13-102.	No legislator shall use their office or position for the receipt of a gift that results from holding office. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 9-13-103.	Printed information or promotional material. An item that is not used and is returned or donated to charity within 30 days of receipt and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Plaques, certificates or commemorative items with a value of $250 or less. Food and beverage. Public compensation, per diem and other benefits. Loans, gifts, special discounts or hospitality with a value of $250 or less. Travel, registration and lodging for conferences the recipient attends in their official capacity. Gifts and inheritance from the following donors are exempt from gift restrictions ifas long as the donor is acting as an agent or intermediary for a non-family member: Family. Persons or organizations with a bona fide social or private business relationship with the recipient when the gift is motivated by that relationship. Persons or organizations making gifts of nominal value that are not motivated by the recipient’s official position to recognize special occasions including marriage, illness or retirement. Wyo. Stat. § 9-13-102.

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