The Office of Government Ethics issued a proposed rule on September 13, 2011 concerning government employees’ accepting invitations from registered lobbyists and lobbying organizations for free attendance at “widely attended gatherings” such as conferences, seminars and other large meetings.  The proposed rule contains certain exceptions to the limitations on accepting such invitations.  Among the exceptions is for invitations from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The American Society for Microbiology is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; therefore, unless any agency specific limitations apply, invitations from the Society offered to government employees for attendance at Society events may be permissible under this proposed rule.  If you are a government employee and would like further information, we suggest you consult the appropriate office of ethics within your agency.