The Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures (GARD) Act modifies federal rules governing how government employees report gifts and decorations received from foreign sources. The bill expands the definition of who must report foreign gifts to include political candidates for President, Vice President, and Congress, and broadens what counts as a prohibited gift to include items from foreign entities and countries designated as "countries of concern" by the State Department. The legislation requires agencies to submit compiled gift reports to both the Office of Government Ethics and the State Department by May 15 each year instead of January 31, and mandates much more detailed tracking information including fair market value estimates, inventory control numbers, and final disposition of gifts. Additionally, the bill imposes a $200 late fee for employees who file reports more than 30 days late and requires agencies to make these gift listings publicly accessible within 120 days of the law's enactment. The changes apply to all individuals currently required to submit gift reports within 30 days after the bill is signed into law.
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