Page 23 - Lozano Smith Board Member Toolkit 2026

Limits on Gifts, Honoraria, Travel, and Use of Public Resources
Gifts. The current limit is $630 per year, per source. The current $630 limit is effective
for 2025 and 2026 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.

Travel. As a general rule, transportation, lodging and accommodations are covered by
the gift limit. However, there are a number of exceptions. The primary exception
concerns when an official makes a speech, conducts a seminar, or serves on a panel
within California. There are also special rules against public officers receiving free or
discounted transportation.

Honoraria. Officials may not receive payments for making speeches, publishing
articles, or attending public or private conferences, conventions, meetings, social
events, or meals in their official capacity, unless they would otherwise do so as part of
their ordinary professional duties.

Use of public resources. Personal use (including staff time and agency equipment)
and political use (including support or opposition of candidates or local ballot
measures) of public resources are prohibited.

Behested gifts. Gifts of over $5,000 made to charities or nonprofits at the suggestion
of an elected official must be reported by the official.

20 Guide to Effective Governance