Connecticut ethics law sets gift and lobbying dollar limits

The law defines what counts as a gift under state ethics rules and lists exceptions. The definition applies to gifts under the state ethics rules for public officials and state employees. A gift is something valuable a person receives directly and personally, unless they give something of equal or greater value in return. Exceptions include food and drinks under stated limits, items worth no more than $20 when the donor's yearly total stays within $100, and gifts for major life events. A non-family member's gift for a major life event cannot exceed $1,500. The definition takes effect October 1, 2026.

The law requires certain state contracts involving public officials, state employees, their families, or their businesses to use a public process unless an exception applies. The rule covers public officials and state employees, their immediate family, and businesses with which they are associated. The rule applies to contracts worth $250 or more and has listed exceptions, including certain student training contracts and expert witness contracts with the Attorney General's office. Agency heads and quasi-public agency heads, their immediate family, and their businesses cannot contract with their own agency. This provision takes effect October 1, 2026.

The law sets dollar thresholds for lobbyist registration and reporting. These rules cover lobbyists and client lobbyist registrants. The lobbyist definition includes people who spend or receive at least $3,000 in a calendar year for lobbying, subject to listed exclusions. Client lobbyists trying to influence legislative action must file monthly reports during regular legislative sessions for any month they spend or agree to spend at least $250 on lobbying. These provisions take effect October 1, 2026.