House redefines compassionate gifts

The House voted without opposition today  for a bill that would lift the limit on gifts to legislators for what are called “compassionate gifts.” The practice currently carries a $250 limit. The fast pace on the bill is to accommodate Nome representative Richard Foster’s need for a kidney transplant – and legislative staffer Sue Stancliff willingness to donate one of her kidneys. The issue arose when the ethics issue was brought into the situation.Dave Donaldson, APRN - Juneau