New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is tightening the rules on the disclosure of gifts he can receive from personal friends
Murphy signed an executive order that makes a change in the governor’s code of conduct.
“The most meaningful tweak and this is one that I think is important is a very bright line distinction between preexisting relationships and folks that we’ve met in a political context.”
Murphy says if he were friends with someone at least three years before his inauguration, he would not have to disclose gifts they gave him.
But anyone he met since then would be subject to complete disclosure of gifts valued above the $390 limit set by federal rules.
“If we knew you before January 16, 2015, you’re in a different category than if we‘ve met you since then. And if we’ve met you since then and it’s above that federal limit, it’s going to be subject to complete 100% transparency and disclosure.”
Former Governor Chris Christie was criticized after saying he was their friend, so he did not have to disclose the costs of a family vacation in Jordan paid for by that country’s King and the costs of attending Dallas Cowboys games paid by the team’s owner Jerry Jones.