In a recent opinion, Snyder v. United States, 603 U.S. 1 (2024) (slip op.), the U.S. Supreme Court held that a federal criminal bribery law, 18 U.S.C. § 666, regulating bribes received by state and local officials, did not also regulate gratuities, or gifts, received by state and local officials. The Court explained that state and local governments, instead, may regulate gratuities—as they have long done.
Importantly, the Supreme Court’s ruling does not impact existing state and local laws; those laws continue to apply, specifically including the Illinois State Officials and Employees Ethics Act prohibiting public officials from receiving gifts. Local officials should proceed as usual with regard to gratuities and other gifts; the Court’s ruling will not affect the status quo for state and local officials.
Please contact a member of our Board Governance/Corporate practice group with questions.
Source: Snyder v. United States, 603 U.S. 1 (2024) (slip op.)
