Fair season is here!

Fair season is here!  Please keep in mind a pass to a county fair or to the Ohio State Fair is a thing of value.  While an individual pass from a lobbying source might not exceed $25, attending multiple days or accepting multiple passes from a single source may trigger disclosure requirements.  In addition, tickets to concerts or special events may have additional costs. 

Absent an independent relationship, the value of a fair pass provided to a legislator’s/staff person’s spouse or family member is attributable to the legislator/staff person.  The amount of the ticket for the spouse/family member must be added to the amount, if any, of the ticket provided to the legislator/staff person.

Should you receive fair pass(es) from a lobbyist or lobbyist employer that exceed $25 in value, it will be reported on the corresponding Activity & Expenditure Report.  If you file a financial disclosure statement, these tickets may be reportable on your 2019 filing.  Legislators/legislative staff are prohibited from accepting more than $75 in gifts, aggregated per calendar year, from a lobbyist.

Don’t forget to enjoy viewing the butter cow sculpture, cute fair animals and eating all the delicious fried foods!