Public school teachers across Alabama are facing an unexpected problem this holiday season. A new ethics law is preventing them from accepting most gifts given by their students.

The law went into effect in March. The state legislature passed it to clean up corruption and prevent public officials and employees from accepting gifts from lobbyists. Public school teachers found themselves subject to the law as well, since they are also state employees.

Beverly Sims of the Alabama Education Association said this was an unintended consequence. Sims represents teachers in Madison County. She said teachers are not only upset over the law, they are confused by its vagueness.

"Nothing of value, nothing that is store-bought, no gift certificates; it has to be something you can't turn around and sell and even make a dollar off of it," Sims said.

"Nobody makes these parents of students give us gifts. So if they feel like they were warranted, let them," Minert said.

Evans said the Commission will address the issue in a formal opinion meeting on Dec. 7.