57 FR 35006: Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch

The Office of Government Ethics is issuing a final rule which establishes uniform standards of ethical conduct for officers and employees of the executive branch of the Federal Government (hereinafter Government). When effective in 180 days, part 2635 will supersede most of subparts A, B and C of 5 CFR part 735 and agency regulations thereunder, as well as 5 CFR 2635.101 of the Office of Government Ethics regulations. The final rule establishes standard 3 relating to the receipt of gifts, whether from prohibited sources, because of official position, or between employees. It establishes standards for dealing with the employee's own and other financial interests that conflict with an employee's official duties. These include disqualification requirements that apply when a matter to which the employee is assigned affects a person with whom he or she is seeking employment. In addition to standards relating to use of official position and time, Government property and nonpublic information, it establishes specific standards for application to outside activities in which an employee may participate, including fundraising and outside employment.

(link to PDF version)