Type Advisory Opinion 
Date 9/18/1995 
Number 95-15 
Topic Gifts - Reasonable Expectation - Spouse's Traveling Expenses 
Respondent  
Issue/Question
May the spouse of a legislator accept reimbursement from friends for travel expenses incurred while accompanying the legislator to an out-of-state legislative conference?
Summary
Yes, under these narrow facts the gift exemption found in RCW 42.52.010(9) is applicable.  The Board cautions legislators that their acceptance of payment for their spouse's travel, lodging or recreational fees would in most cases be subject  to the $50 gift limit and may violate the reasonable expectation rule found in RCW 42.52.140.
Document View this publication in Acrobat (PDF) Format