Neither the Governor nor any member of the Legislature, nor any employee of the Governor acting at the direction of and on behalf of the Governor or any employee of the Legislature acting at the direction of and on behalf of a member of the Legislature shall be in violation of these Rules by engaging in activities inherent in representing constituents, gathering information or advocating policy positions, provided none of these activities include illegal threats, intimidation, coercion or promises of actions inconsistent with the Constitution or statutes of the State of Oklahoma or with these Rules.

Promulgated by Ethics Commission January 10, 2014; effective upon Legislature’s sine die adjournment May 23, 2014; operative January 1, 2015.

Rule 4.22 Waiver

A state officer or employee may apply to the Commission for a waiver of a Rule based on a preexisting relationship between the state officer or employee and a person whose status restricts or prohibits certain activities under these Rules.

The Commission shall have exclusive authority and discretion to grant a waiver on a case-by-case basis, based upon the totality of circumstances and a finding that the purposes of these Rules will not be impeded or hindered by the waiver. A waiver shall have only prospective application.

The Commission may request whatever information it deems appropriate from an applicant, including but not limited to verified statements by the applicant and/or the person with whom a preexisting relationship is claimed. The restrictions between a state officer or employee and a person whose status restricts or prohibits certain activities under these Rules shall not apply when the two are family members.

Promulgated by Ethics Commission January 10, 2014; effective upon Legislature’s sine die adjournment May 23, 2014; operative January 1, 2015.

Amendment promulgated by Ethics Commission January 9, 2015; effective upon sine die adjournment of the Legislature May 22, 2015; operative May 22, 2015.