New Rules in Place Regarding Free Meals for Lawmakers

Washington lawmakers face new rules for meals that lobbyists pay for, starting in January.

The Olympian reports the Legislature's ethics board recently set a new limit of 12 free meals that a lawmaker can accept from a lobbyist in any given year.

The rules seem less hazy than the previous understanding of the law's allowance for "infrequent" meals from lobbyists. But there are still areas of confusion, including determining the value of free food and drink at receptions.

The public-disclosure rules have changed, as well, including an increase from $25 to $50 for a reportable entertainment event.

Meanwhile, the ethics board is urging the Legislature to require more transparency.