Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 16-922
 
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RE:
Advisory opinion request regarding the propriety of Townsquare Media's radio stations hosting an appreciation banquet for first responders.
Facts:
Townsquare Media's radio stations, KPEL FM and KHXT FM, may host an appreciation banquet for first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics. The event will be promoted on air and on their websites, requesting nomination of first responders by their peers, significant others, or citizens. The first one hundred nominees will be accepted unless it would result in more than forty attendees of any one profession. The first responders and their guest will be served a buffet meal, ice tea, and dessert, the value of which will be $15.00 per meal. Additionally, each first responder or his/her guest will be given a numbered ticket upon arrival for a chance to win one of approximately twenty-five door prizes during contests or random drawing. While the radio stations do not have a definitive list of gifts, they provided the following list of possible items that may be secured by the sales staff from their advertisers: an alarm system from a security company, ice chests from a car dealership bearing its logo, certificates for free car washes, meals from area restaurants, massages or other spa services from several local spas. Alternatively, each first responder or his/her guest will be given a gift bag including promotional items such as koozies, t-shirts, flashlights, certificates to local restaurants or spas, etc.
Law:
La. R.S. 42:1111A prohibits a public servant from receiving anything of economic value, other than compensation and benefits from the governmental entity to which he is duly entitled, for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of his office or position.

La. R.S. 42:1115 prohibits a public employee from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, any thing of economic value as a gift or gratuity from any person or from any officer, director, agent, or employee of such person, if such public servant knows or reasonably should know that such person: (1) has or is seeking to obtain contractual or other business or financial relationships with his agency; (2) is seeking, for compensation, to influence the passage or defeat of legislation by his agency; (3) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by his agency; or (4) has substantial economic interests which may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of his official duty.

La. R.S. 42:1115.1A no person from whom a public servant is prohibited by La. R.S. 42:1111 or 1115A from receiving a thing of economic value shall give to such a public servant any food, drink, or refreshment the total value of which exceeds sixty dollars for a single event at which food, drink, or refreshment is given.

Recommendations:
Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: Haley Williams
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2016-922 - Proposed Advisory Opinion
2016-922 Advisory Opinion Request
2016-922 - Additional Information