W.Va. Ethics Commission to Work on Trinkets Law

 The state Ethics Commission has agreed to craft rules to a new law that prevents state employees and elected officials from using public funds to place their name or likeness on certain items.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed the “trinkets” bill last month.

It becomes law on May 28 and would prohibit self-promotion on items such as publicly owned vehicles in advertising or on small items such as magnets and cups.

The commission agreed Thursday to come up with the rules, although media outlets report Commissioner Jack Buckalew questioned why the Legislature didn’t do that.

Commissioner Betty Ireland says the rules would help clarify ambiguities that currently exist in the bill. It defines trinkets as “items of tangible personal property that are not vital or necessary” to office duties.