Jindal Signs Law Making It Okay For Teachers To Receive Gifts From Students

Louisiana's public school teachers can no longer say Governor Bobby Jindal has never done anything for them. Just yesterday the Governor signed into law, ACT 172. This act allows public school teachers to accept gifts from students as long as the value of that gift is $25 or less.

To be honest with you, I didn't know that was against the law to do. My family and my kids have always given their teachers gifts for Christmas and at the end of the year. No, these gifts aren't exorbitant but I didn't realize I was breaking a law. Thanks to Governor Jindal I am now in the clear too.

Gonzales Representative John Berthelot  said that before ACT 172 public servants were prohibited from getting gifts from those they serve. But with the passage of this act and the subsequent signing of this measure by the Governor all of us can whip out a Chili's gift card with a clear conscious.

"There wasn't anything wrong for us who came through school to bring our teacher a small gift to let her know you appreciated the job she was doing, now they are allowed to receive those gifts and not be in violation of ethics."

Berthelot made those comments to the Louisiana Radio Network. He went on to say that the limit for gifts is $25 per instance and gifts may be given no more than three times in one year. That way a student could honor their favorite teacher at Christmas, for their birthday and teacher appreciation without fear of being hauled off to jail.