LOS ANGELES : Restrictions Eased in City’s Ethics Ordinance

The City Council on Tuesday loosened provisions of the city’s ethics ordinance, permitting employees to take some gifts from individuals who do business with the city and clarifying a “revolving door” policy for former employees who return to lobby city officials.

City officials said the changes were needed because the ethics ordinance approved two years ago was overly restrictive--prohibiting them from receiving even such courtesy items as a cup of coffee or parking.

The amendments allow employees to take up to $100 in gifts a year from individuals who do business with the city.

The “revolving door” policy prohibits high-ranking officials, including council members, from lobbying other city officials for one year after they leave office.