MS HB1418

All elected officials in Mississippi must file an annual gift report with the Secretary of State detailing gifts received during the preceding 12-month period.

"Gift" is defined as tangible goods or services with a retail value of $200 or more given without equal consideration, but excludes campaign contributions and ordinary business discounts.

Each gift report must include the donor's name, a description with estimated monetary value, and the place and date the gift was given.

Gifts from relatives (spouse, children, parents, or siblings) are exempt from reporting requirements.

The Secretary of State must prepare a standardized form for gift reporting and make reports available for public inspection during regular office hours; the act takes effect July 1, 2014.