Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently began handing out promotional coins bearing his name, autograph, and symbols of Minnesota. These are known as challenge coins. They are also carried by members of Congress, governors, and presidents.

 

But wouldn’t handing out money to constituents be considered bribery? When it comes to the Governer’s coins, legally speaking, no.

 

Why not? Because the coins have no monetary value and cost less than $4/each to produce.

Under Minnesota bribery laws, politicians are