HomeMy WebLinkAbout80-708 ODonnellRobert W. O'Donnell
3425 Conrad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Dear Mr. O'Donnell:
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
308 FINANCE BUILDING
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120
August 25, 1980
ADVICE OF THE COMMISSION
80 -708
On July 11, 1980, you asked for advice on the
reporting requirements and possible restrictions where a
legislator participates in conferences sponsored by lobby-
ists.
You noted that the lobbyists organization fre-
quently offers to pay the cost of meals and lodging for the
legislator, his or her spouse and minor dependant children.
This payment would be considered a gift under Act
170 and must be reported on the' legislator's Financial Inter-
est Statement.
There would be no conflict of interest under Act
170 in these situations unless the public official has used
his or her public office or any confidential information
received through holding that office to obtain personal finan-
cial gain or if the "gift ", ie the meals and lodging are
offered and /or accepted in return for the promise of future
employment. (Section 3(b).
Pursuant to Section 7(9)(ii), this Advice is a
complete defense in any enforcement proceeding initiated
by the Commission, and evidence of good faith conduct in
any other civil or criminal proceeding, providing the re-
questor has disclosed truthfully all the material facts and
committed the acts complained of in reliance on the Advice
given.
You may appeal this Advice to the full Commission.
This letter is a public record and will be made
available as such.
PJS /nia
cc: Speaker of the House
Majority Leader
PAUL J. SMITH
Chairman!