SAN JOSE, CA: CITY COUNCIL AMENDS GIFT ORDINANCE
On November 7, 2017, the San Jose City Council formally adopted Ordinance 30016, which amends the gift ordinance to more closely align it with the California Political Reform Act and eliminate confusion over what constitutes a permissible gift.
Under the ordinance, the definition of “gift” and the associated exceptions now have the same meaning as under California law. However, unlike California law, the ordinance restricts San Jose officers and employees from receiving gifts exceeding $50 in value from a restricted source per calendar year. The Councilmembers also entertained proposals of making the upper limit $470 to mirror California law or setting it at $250, but ultimately decided on a $50 limit amidst increasing public scrutiny.
The ordinance takes effect December 8, 2017.
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