Type Advisory Opinion 
Date 8/8/1996 
Number 96-10 
Topic Gifts - Complimentary Admission - Lobbyists - Reasonable Expectation 
Respondent  
Issue/Question
Lobbyist for a corporation which sponsors Seafair seeks to offer complimentary admission to legislators to attend hydroplane races.  Value exceeds $50.
Summary
Acceptance of the invitation would violate the Act.  (1) This is purely a sporting event and there is no official purpose served by the legislator's attendance.  (2) When such an invitation comes from a lobbyist or lobbyist-employer, the "reasonable expectation" statute, RCW 42.52.140, will be strictly construed.  RCW 42.52.010(9)(d) and 42.52.150(2)(g).
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