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NYCRR Part 934 provides guidance.
Generally, the assumption must be that a lobbyist or client is prohibited from giving a gift to any public official. There are narrow parameters under which this may be allowed if the gift:
- is not intended to influence the public official or the performance of their duties; and
- is not intended as a reward for any official action on the public official's part; or
- meets one or more exclusions, such as food or beverage valued at $15 or less or complimentary attendance to a charitable event.
A gift includes but is not limited to: money, services, loans, travel, meals, entertainment, or a promise having monetary value.
Violators are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of $25,000 or three times the value of the gift.
When in doubt, please contact COELIG’s Attorney of the Day by email at Guidance@ethics.ny.gov or call 800-87-ETHICS and use option “2”.
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