Bill Limiting Gifts To Public Officials Moves In Legislature
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - New limits on gifts to Pennsylvania public officials, including an outright ban on taking cash, are in a bill that's made it out of a legislative committee.
The House State Government Committee on Tuesday voted unanimously to advance the proposal, which puts an annual limit on the cash value of gifts and hospitality that public officials, public employees or candidates can accept.
The vote came after Republicans pushed through a party-line vote to add an exception to let lobbyists give birthday or wedding presents.
Gifts generally can't total more than $50 from one person in a calendar year, or hospitality, transportation or lodging worth $500 a year.
The bill provides other exceptions, allowing gifts from family members or "gifts exchanged between public officials or public employees on a voluntary basis."
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