HB 1353 Summary

• Prohibits persons with a business relationship with a governmental body from giving gifts to employees or elected officials of that body, with exceptions for nominal gifts, close relatives, and political action committees giving to elected officials.

• Defines "business relationship" as seeking or maintaining a contract with a governmental body, or serving as an executive or legislative branch lobbyist.

• Violating the gift prohibition constitutes a Class B misdemeanor.

• Establishes comprehensive definitions and regulations in new IC 5-22.5 (Government Ethics Article) covering gifts, lobbyists, government employees, and related terms.

• Effective January 1, 2013; makes conforming amendments to lobbying registration, ethics disclosure, and campaign finance statutes.