Legislation News
Federal Lobbying Activities and Gift Rules
November 2008
As you may be aware, federal law has changed and now requires all organizations employing a registered lobbyist to report on lobbying activity undertaken by non-registered employees. Because the University of California employs a number of lobbyists, all campuses must report quarterly any lobbying contact with Members of Congress, their staff, or with high-ranking federal officials. The Office of the President has asked each campus' federal relations officer to collect this information and report the data to the UC Office of Federal Governmental Relations (UCFGR). The data is combined into a systemwide lobbying disclosure document.
Most of you will probably not have any activity to report.
Lobbying can be defined as unsolicited contact with a U.S. Senator or member of the House of Representatives. Contact with staff to Members of Congress and high-ranking federal officials such as a Director or Assistant Secretary in an agency also qualifies. In addition, the contact is on behalf of UCLA or in an official capacity for the university. Reportable contact includes a discussion on issues such as pending legislation or funding for a program where you are seeking further action.
All forms of communication, including phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and e-mails are considered contact. You must report the time spent on the actual interaction and the preparation time for that contact. This includes any time spent by staff in support of the substance of the activity. By law, you must also report the direct costs associated with the activity, including the share of travel, salary, and expenses incurred.
Kim S. Kovacs is the designated campus federal relations officer and the registered lobbyist for UCLA. Her office compiles information on a quarterly basis, as required by law, and reports relevant contact to UCFGR. Below is a form to assist you in reporting your lobbying. The form is available below.
Gift Rules
In addition to changes in lobby disclosure, changes were also made to the rules on allowable gifts and sponsored travel. A gift is anything of value such as a meal, t-shirt, book, event tickets, or other item given to a Member of Congress, Congressional staff member, or high-ranking federal official. While an exemption exists for public universities, the rules are complex. Please check with the UCLA Office of Federal Relations before offering anything of value to any Congressional or federal official.
Both the Academic Senate leadership and Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs have been consulted to help provide some guidelines for gathering the required information and disseminating this information to the campus.
If you have questions about your activity and contacts, please contact Kim at 310/794-6808 or e-mail at kkovacs@support.ucla.edu.
Federal Lobbying Activities Worksheet
Scott Waugh, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost |
