New Rule Requires Officials To Report Free Tickets

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A new rule requires state elected officials to disclose on the Internet when they get free tickets to entertainment and sporting events as part of their ceremonial duties.

The disclosure rule was approved by the Fair Political Practices Commission Friday, weeks after Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spurred public outcry when he said he accepted tickets to dozens of concerts, awards shows and ballgames.

The ethics agency says the new requirement will help the public determine who might be trying to gain the favor of an elected official, The Los Angeles Times reports.

Villaraigosa has said that under state law, the tickets were not considered gifts because he would perform an official city duty at the event, such as presenting a city proclamation.

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