State Integrity news for North Carolina from SII partner WFAE:

Before 2006, there were no restrictions on gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers. After several scandals, though, an ethics law was passed. And on one hand, it is very strict about banning those kinds of gifts.

But on the other hand, there are exceptions to that law.

Here’s an example: So, it’s not okay for a lobbyist to buy lunch for a legislator. That’s clear. But it is okay for a lobbyist to buy lunch for groups of lawmakers, even all of them.

Read and hear more from WFAE - Charlotte.