The North Dakota Ethics Commission has proposed a limited food and drink exception to the rules banning gifts between lobbyists and public officials implemented last year.

The proposed rule change adds an exception for food or beverage with a value of $10 or less, excluding gratuity, purchased for a public official in conjunction with an informal social and educational event.

The purchased food and beverage must be consumed during the event and a state resident must be present, but is not required to be the purchaser of the food or beverage.

The revised rules also define informal social and educational event as any meeting, session, or interaction occurring within the state between a public official and a state resident, including but not limited to a registered lobbyist who is a state resident, for the purpose of informing or educating the public official on a matter of interest or concern.

The proposed rule changes are open to public comment through July 9.