A state officer or employee may apply to the Commission for a waiver of a Rule based on a preexisting relationship between the state officer or employee and a legislative liaison, legislative lobbyist or executive lobbyist. The Commission shall have exclusive authority and discretion to grant a waiver on a case-by-case basis, based upon the totality of circumstances and a finding that the purposes of these Rules will not be impeded or hindered by the waiver. A waiver shall have only prospective application. The Commission may request whatever information it deems appropriate from an applicant, including but not limited to verified statements by the applicant and/or the legislative liaison, legislative lobbyist or executive lobbyist with whom a preexisting relationship is claimed. The restrictions between a state officer or employee and a legislative liaison, legislative lobbyist or executive lobbyist shall not apply when the two are family members.