Attorney General Opinion, February 17, 1981 (PDF)
A legislator asked whether she could voluntarily solicit contributions, including foundation grants, for the Kennebec River Future Commission, which was in the process of being created by legislation. The Attorney General said that she could, without compensation, solicit grants and donations from private sources on behalf of a public entity. The Attorney General also suggested that she get the approval of both the governor and the legislative council to accept the funds solicited before the legislation creating the new commission became effective; that she refrain from soliciting from those who were interested in matters pending before the legislature; and that she guard against creating the impression that she was soliciting funds on behalf of the governor or legislative council.
Attorney General Opinion, August 18, 1983 (PDF)
The Maine Whitewater Outfitters Association invited legislators on a Penobscot River rafting trip at a rate of $15 for up to two rate. The Attorney General said that legislators could not accept the trip at that rate, as it appeared to be a gift intended to influence the legislators in the performance of their official duties.