Gift Rules

Federal

Executive Branch: gift of $20 or less, provided total value of gifts from the donor does not exceed $50 in one year. 5 C.F.R. Part 2635, 5 U.S.C. § 7353. No gifts from individuals or entities seeking official action by, doing business with or seeking to do business with, or regulated by the recipient’s agency. No gifts from donors whose interests may be substantially affected by the recipient’s duties. U.S. Office of Government Ethics

Congress

– House: gift of less than $50, total aggregate annual gifts of less than $100 from the donor. No cash or cash equivalent (i.e. gift cards) gifts. House Rule 25, clause 5, 5 U.S.C. § 7353. No gifts from registered lobbyists, foreign principal or its agent, or private entity retaining or employing lobbyists. House Committee on Ethics

– Senate: gift of less than $50, total aggregate annual gifts of less than $100 from the donor. No cash or cash equivalent (i.e. gift cards) gifts. Gifts of less than $10 generally do not count towards the annual limit. Senate Rule 35.1(a), 5 U.S.C. § 7353. U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics

State

New York

New York State: Public Officers Law § 73(5) – no gifts “having more than a nominal value”. Nominal value is “such a small amount that acceptance of an item of nominal value could not be reasonably interpreted or construed as attempting to influence a State employee or public official.” (NY St Ethics Commn Advisory Op 08-01 (2008). “However, even items of nominal value can be improper depending on the context.” Id. Items of nominal value include “a regular cup of coffee or a soft drink” but not a meal or alcoholic beverage. Id. No gifts from lobbyists and clients of lobbyists. New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics

New York Municipalities (other than NYC): General Municipal Law § 8005-a – no gifts having a value of $75 or more. Office of the State Comptroller

New York City: New York City Charter Chapter 68 § 2604(b)(5), Title 53 Rules of the City of New York § 1-01 – No gifts of $50 or more, or gifts aggregating to $50 or more annually, from a single donor. No gifts from lobbyists.  New York City Conflicts of Interest Board