The Oklahoma Ethics Commission held an informal meeting this week to review a proposed amendment regarding a cooling-off period for elected officials and state employees.

The proposed amendment would require state employees and public officials to wait 2 years before registering as a lobbyist or representing another entity before the agency he or she previously served.

Supporters believe a cooling-off period prevents a conflict of interest while opponents to the proposed amendment feel it discourages involvement in government.

The proposal also includes a waiver of the restriction if the intent of the cooling-off period would not be undermined when waived.