Alaska Amends Lobbying and Gift Law

Pursuant to former HB 109 and effective on July 11, 2007, Alaska has amended its lobbying and gift laws in several ways. The highlights of this legislation are summarized below.

First, the gift prohibition that applies to lobbyists with respect to legislators and legislative employees is now applicable year-round and not solely during legislative sessions.

Second, lobbyists now must itemize food and drink provided to legislators and legislative employees (one of the exceptions to the gift ban) if the cost exceeds $15.

Third, lobbyists now must complete annual ethics training sessions.

Finally, a gift from a lobbyist to an executive branch official is presumed to be intended to influence the official's performance unless the donor is a member of the recipient's immediate family.