Invitations to participate in surveys/focus groups

Occasionally, legislative employees receive invitations to participate in focus groups or surveys.  Often, the group asking the employee to participate offers a monetary incentive or gift (i.e. an honorarium) in exchange for the employee’s participation.   While legislative employees are not prohibited under Ohio’s ethics laws from participating in surveys or focus groups based on personal interest or good will (as long as it is not done on state time or using state resources); Members and legislative employees cannot accept anything of value in exchange for their participation (this includes donations to nonprofit or charitable organizations of their choice).  If you are a Member or legislative employee who receives such an offer or if you have questions regarding the honorarium prohibition, please contact JLEC for additional information at 614-728-5100.