The law defines "gift" as including "political contributions, contributions or tickets to political fundraising events and anything of value, tangible or intangible, that is bestowed for less than adequate consideration including travel expenses such as travel fare, room and board and other expenses associated with such travel and including meals and alcoholic beverages whether given as part of a general or open invitation or not. 'Gift' does not include anything given between immediate family members." 2 V.S.A. § 261(6).

Each gift with a value of more than $5 must be separately reported by the lobbyist or employer who made the gift, or on whose behalf the gift was made. The Secretary of State maintains a separate report for each legislator or administrative official to whom gifts have been given. 2 V.S.A. § 265.

A gift by a member of an interest group to, or on behalf of, a legislator or administrative official is deemed to be made on behalf of the employer or lobbyist when

1. The employer sponsors an activity on behalf of or for the benefit of the members of an interest group and

2. The principal purpose of the activity is to enable the members to communicate orally with one or more legislators or administrative officials for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action or to obtain their goodwill. 2 V.S.A. §§ 261(9) and 264(j).

No. If a gift worth more than $5 is given by or on behalf of a lobbyist or an employer to a legislator or an administrative official, it must be separately reported. The only exceptions to this requirement are gifts between immediate family members. 2 V.S.A. §261(6).

Yes. These gifts by the members are deemed gifts by the employer and must be separately reported by the employer.

If the thing given could be otherwise obtained by the legislator or administrative official, it should be separately reported as a gift whenever the value exceeds $5.

Yes, the cost of the food and drinks should be allocated to the legislator if he or she partakes and the allocated cost exceeds $5.

Yes, it is a gift and it must be reported. There is, however, no requirement for the legislator or administrative official to report the purchase of a meal for the lobbyist.