Turns out this is one of the unintended consequences of a new tougher ethics law passed in Alaska as a result of the ongoing corruption scandal that has landed 3 state lawmakers in federal prison.
The lawmaker in question, is widely liked as a Lawmaker and person. Well known throughout the state for being a bit wild and loose.
I if Rep. Foster is healthy enough to undergo a kidney transplant that he could probably get around the current law by resigning from the body, or even getting an Executive exemption of some sort.
adn.com | Politics : Gift of kidney to ailing lawmaker against the rules
Quote:
JUNEAU -- Nome Rep. Richard Foster is famous at the state Capitol for his love of machine guns and the weekly "Foster Night" musical jam parties he used to host in his Capitol office.
Now Foster is hurting, badly, and his many friends at the state Capitol want to do more than send flowers. A half-dozen offered to donate their kidneys to the ailing legislator. Sue Stancliff, an aide to Fairbanks Rep. Mike Kelly, appears to be a match.
Here's the problem: It appears to be against state ethics law for Stancliffe to give Foster a kidney.
Alaska lawmakers tightened the ethics laws last year following the FBI raids on legislative offices and the criminal charges against former legislators. The changes included stricter limits on the gifts that state legislators can receive.
The Legislature did insert a "compassionate gift" exemption into the law to cover items meant as comfort in times of tragedy or a health emergency. But even those gifts can't be worth more than $250, and donating a kidney is figured to be worth more than that.
That's why North Pole Rep. John Coghill has introduced House Bill 317, which would eliminate the dollar limit on a compassionate gift to a legislator or legislative employee. The gift recipient would still have to disclose the gift within 30 days.
Coghill said the legislative ethics committee approached him and let him know it could be a problem for Stancliff to give Foster her kidney. Coghill said he wants to make sure there are no legal questions.
There would still be the question of whether Foster, who has had heart problems as well as the kidney disease, is strong enough for the procedure.
Foster, 61, suffered a mild stroke on Friday and is undergoing treatment at a Seattle hospital. The stroke left him with some speech and mobility problems, according to his staff, but he is improving.
Dillingham Rep. Bryce Edgmon, Foster's former staffer and longtime friend, said Foster is undergoing a two-week intensive therapy session and is responding well.
He has a two-week, excused absence from the Legislature, and other lawmakers have been assigned to take over his budget subcommittees until he is ready to return.
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01-25-2008
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