The Joint Legislative Ethics Committee issued Advisory Opinion 2018-001 on September 10, 2018. The Committee advises the following: Ohio law prohibits legislators and legislative employees from accepting travel expenses from a legislative agent (lobbyist) in the form of transportation in … Continue reading
What is NOT a Reportable Expenditure for Lobbying Disclosure Purposes?
Under Ohio’s lobbying law, the following are not considered reportable expenditures: Anything of value, excluding food and beverages, where the value of such item does not exceed $25.00. A charitable contribution exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(C)(3) of … Continue reading
It’s Not Just About Expenditures
The OLIG reminds all lobbyists and employers of the requirement to not only report expenditures, but also lobbying activity conducted during the reporting period. Legislative lobbying activity is promoting, advocating, opposing or otherwise influencing the passage, modification or defeat of … Continue reading
Prohibition on receiving gifts of cash or the equivalent of cash from lobbyists
The calendar for the month of June is filled with weddings and other celebratory events. This is a good opportunity to remind Members and legislative staff of the prohibition on accepting a gift of cash or the equivalent of cash … Continue reading
Charitable Fundraisers
A complimentary ticket to a charitable fundraiser where the source is the entity holding the event is not a gift for lobbying reporting purposes or for the recipient legislator’s financial disclosure reporting purposes. A complimentary ticket to a charitable fundraiser … Continue reading
Financial Disclosure Statements
2017 Financial Disclosure Statements for 2018 Ohio General Assembly candidates are available at https://www2.jlec-olig.state.oh.us/fds/ReportsSearch.aspx. You can search by a candidate’s first or last name. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact JLEC at 614-728-5100.
Prohibited Honorarium
Generally, Members and staff are prohibited from accepting any payment or gift(s) made in consideration for a speech, publication, or attendance at a public or private event. For example, a Member is prohibited from accepting a gift card to their … Continue reading