#SCOTUS justices & federal #judges can no longer avoid disclosing the value of travel-related #gifts they receive by classifying such free trips as "reimbursements" on their #FinancialDisclosure forms under new regulations now in effect.
The regs, announced by the #FederalJudiciary late on Fri, follow revelations that #conservative SCOTUS Justice #ClarenceThomas had not disclosed luxury trips paid for by a wealthy benefactor.
The #FederalJudiciary in Friday's notice said the disclosure policies were updated "to reflect past statutory changes more clearly & help ensure complete reporting of gifts & reimbursements consistent w/statutory requirements."
#SCOTUS in Nov announced its first formal code of #conduct governing the #ethical behavior of its #justices, following months of outside pressure over revelations of undisclosed luxury trips.
The #FederalJudiciary last year adopted other changes to its disclosure rules to clarify that judges must disclose stays at commercial properties, like hotels & resorts, & gifts of hospitality paid for by an entity or third-party other than the person providing it.