Gift-Taking Habits to Become More Public at State Capitol

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utahns will know a lot more about the gift-taking habits of their legislators next year if they take the time to check the reports lobbyists file.

The Utah Legislature passed significant new rules to govern its gift-taking habits. Lobbyists will be required to report the names of legislators who take any tangible gifts that add up to a value of more than ten dollars in a day. Tickets to sporting events must be reported at any value. Food and meals only need to be reported if worth more than 50-dollars.

The Legislature has long been reluctant to pass such restrictions on lobbying activities, but lawmakers appear to have been influenced this year by pressure from the Governor and the public to be more forthcoming with gifts they receive.

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