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 “Designated” officials listed in the agency’s conflict of interest code. Each state and
local agency is required to adopt a conflicts of interest code which designates
positions which involve making or participating in decisions which may have a
material effect on the employee’s financial interests. Persons with broader
decision-making authority generally are required to disclose more.

Investments, income, loans, real property interests, business positions, gifts ($50 or
more from any one source), and travel payments are reportable on the Form 700.

Officials must disclose economic interests which may give rise to a disqualifying
conflict of interest on the Form 700 when assuming office, annually while in office, and
upon leaving office.

Limits on Gifts, Honoraria, Travel, and Use of Public Resources
Gifts. The current limit is $590 per year, per source. The current $590 limit is effective
for 2023 and 2024 and will be adjusted for inflation thereafter. The gift limit applies to
any source that an official would have to report on Form 700.

Gifts frequently include money, food, transportation, accommodations, tickets,
plaques, and flowers, and may also include a rebate or discount, unless the rebate is
given without regard to the person’s official status. Gifts are valued at the fair market
value as of the date they are received or promised. Passes and tickets are generally
valued at their face value.

Many exceptions apply, including for:

 Gifts returned within 30 days
 Gifts donated to charity unused
 Political contributions (but they must be reported under the campaign
contribution provisions of the Political Reform Act)
 Gifts from close family members
 Gifts exchanged on birthdays, weddings, etc. unless they are “substantially
disproportionate” in value

When an official attends an invitation-only event, the “gift” conferred is valued by the
official’s [and guest’s if applicable] pro-rata share of the cost of the food, catering
services, entertainment, and any item provided to the official that is available to all
guests attending the event. Any other specific benefit provided to the official at the
event is valued at fair market value. When an official is invited to an invitation-only
event to perform an official or ceremonial function, the “gift” conferred is valued by
the pro rata cost of any meal provided to the official, plus the value of any specific
item that is presented to the official at the event.

Guide to Effective Governance 21