North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 62. Public Utilities § 62-327. Gifts to members of Commission, Commission employees, or Public Staff

It shall be unlawful for any officer, agent, employee, or attorney of any public utility or any public utility holding company, subsidiary, or affiliated company, to knowingly offer or make to any member of the Commission, Commission staff, or Public Staff, any gift of money, property, or anything of value. It shall be unlawful for any member of the Commission, Commission staff, or Public Staff to knowingly accept any gift of money, property, or anything of value from any officer, agent, employee, or attorney of any public utility or any public utility holding company, subsidiary, or affiliated company; provided, however, that it shall not be unlawful for members of the Commission, Commission staff, or Public Staff to attend public breakfasts, lunches, dinners, or banquets sponsored by such entities. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and may only be fined in the discretion of the court; provided, further, that any member of the Commission staff, or member of the Public Staff violating this section shall also be subject to dismissal for cause.