Ethics panel reconsiders gift limit for teachers, others
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Alabama Ethics Commission says gifts to school teachers, and other public employees, might be able to cost more $25.
The Montgomery Advertiser and al.com report that the ethics panel this week gave preliminary approval to an advisory opinion saying gifts are not always subject to the $25 limit.
Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton said the commission wanted to clear up confusion about gifts, including customary holiday gifts to teachers. The new ruling stresses that employees need to exercise “proper judgment.” Bans on gifts by lobbyists and those who hire them would remain in place
A holiday gift to a teacher worth more than $25, for example, wouldn’t break the law, unless it was an attempt to improperly influence action, such as a student’s grade.
The proposed change is open for comment until the commission’s December meeting.
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