Gifts
As a general rule, never accept a gift, gratuity, or anything of value if it could be reasonably expected to influence your vote, judgment or action. The law allows some employees to receive gifts up to $50, and also provides special limits and exemptions. You may receive:
- Gifts from family members;
- Gifts not related to the performance of your job;
- Items exchanged at a social event;
- Payments for expenses for an official speech or presentation;
- Payment of enrollment of course fees in a seminar or other educational program;
- Items returned within 30 days;
- Campaign contributions;
- Discounts available to a broad-based group;
- Awards, prizes for recognition of achievement.
Unless you regulate or contract with the person giving the gift, you may receive the following:
- Unsolicited flowers, advertising or promotional items, tokens of appreciation or items for evaluation purposes;
- Food and beverage at hosted receptions when related to official duties;
- Admission to and cost of food and beverage at an event hosted by a civic, charitable or governmental organization;
- Unsolicited gifts from dignitaries in other states or countries;
- Food and beverage on infrequent occasions in the ordinary course of business.
If you are in a position to regulate, further restrictions apply. Refer to RCW 42.52.150(4).
Reference: EWU Policy 901-01: Ethical Standards
Honoraria
An honoraria is money or anything of economic value offered for a speech, appearance or article in connection with employee’s official role. The Ethics Act provides that a state officer/employee may not receive an honoraria unless it is specifically authorized by his or her agency. EWU’s policy permits employees to use state time/resources to prepare materials for a speech/presentation for which an honorarium will be paid if the activity is related to your official role at EWU; and to accept without approval if not cash/cash equivalent, an item valued at less than $100. Employees must obtain advance approval if is a cash or cash equivalent valued at more than $100. An honorarium does not include payment for travel, lodging, or subsistence expenses which are gifts subject to RCW 42.52.150
Employees may not receive honoraria if:
- The person offering the honoraria is seeking or is reasonably expected to seek a contract with the agency and the officer or employee is in a position to participate in the terms of the contract or grant, and
- The person offering the honoraria is regulated by the agency and the employee is in a position to participate in the regulation.
The person offering the honoraria may seek or oppose enactment of legislation, adoption of rules or changes in policy by the agency and the employee is in a position to participate in the enactment or adoption.
