State regulators agreed Monday not to make an exception to a state law barring lobbyists from giving gifts to legislative employees, even when the gifts involve contributing to a fundraiser for a legislative aide with cancer.

The Government Accountability Board didn't take a vote on the matter but reached a consensus against exceptions in discussion of the law.

At issue was a lobbyist's request last month for guidance about whether lobbyists could contribute to the long-time

legislative employee, who has a rare form of cancer. The fundraiser was organized by people inside and outside the Capitol.

Jonathan Becker, a lawyer for the board, told the lobbyist that such donations aren't allowed under the law, but he agreed to present the board with the facts of the situation.

With little discussion, the board agreed it couldn't make exceptions to the law.

Also Monday, the board said it would publicly acknowledge receipt of an ethics or campaign finance complaint if the complaint has already been made public.

Under the law creating the board, the board, which is made up of retired judges, and its staff are barred from discussing the details of an investigation into possible violations of state law.

But the board made a distinction between complaints and investigations, and the policy they adopted includes confirming the subject of a complaint and its nature, said Becker.

Tom Cane, the chairman, said, "It seems to me if someone has gone public with a complaint, we do have some responsibility to indicate that a complaint has been filed."

Board member Michael Brennan agreed but warned the policy could be abused by people publicizing frivolous complaints the board would subsequently acknowledge.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Jim Doyle wouldn't comment on the matter, and spokespeople for legislative leaders said they could not reach their bosses to discuss the accountability board's decision.