This bill makes it a crime to give or receive gifts tied to official actions when the agency or organization gets federal funds. It targets “thank you” payments for official acts, not just bribes. It would also raise the maximum prison time for related bribery from 10 to 15 years.

Key points:

• Who is covered: Employees and agents of state, local, or Tribal governments, and agents of organizations that receive federal funds; and anyone who gives them gifts for an official act.
• What counts: Gifts or payments of $1,000 or more given because of an official act on business worth $5,000 or more.
• Penalties: Up to 2 years in prison for these “gratuity” payments; up to 15 years for related bribery offenses under the same law.
• Purpose: Close gaps in the law so that paying or accepting “thank you” gifts for official actions is clearly illegal in programs that use federal funds.