What Triggers the Need to Report?
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Lobbying Contacts include (but are not limited to) letters, phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings made on behalf of a UT System institution with covered executive branch and legislative branch officials intended to influence a covered official on appropriations; pending legislation; rule changes; regulations; Executive Orders; programs; positions of the U.S. government, administration or execution of federal programs or policies (including federal contracts and grants); and nomination or confirmation of a person for a position subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate. This includes any contact that is made in Washington, on campus, or at any other location. Lobbying contacts do NOT include contacts made as part of a professional association (and not on behalf of the UT System) or contacts regarding the administration of a previously-awarded federal grant.
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Lobbying Activities are defined as “lobbying contacts and efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation and planning activities, research and other background work that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with the lobbying activities of others.”
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Additionally, LDA requires the UT System to disclose certain other expenses and non-financial contributions that involve covered federal officials. Examples include contributions and/or expenses paid 1) for events honoring a covered federal official, 2) to an entity named for or in recognition of a covered federal official, 3) to an entity established, financed, maintained or controlled by a covered federal official, 4) to a presidential library foundation, 5) for a meeting, retreat or conference held by or in the name of one or more covered federal officials. Expenses related to the hosting of a reception in honor of one or more covered federal officials, or to purchase a ticket to a charitable event where a member of Congress was honored, or to award an honorary plaque or degree, must now also be reported. Sponsored travel involving covered officials or the giving of non-financial gifts are also subject to restriction. Please see related sections below for more information.
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Several activities are exempted from the definitions of lobbying activities, including Congressional testimony, communications made through any medium of mass communication, scheduling appointments, and information provided as part of a rulemaking process or at the request of a legislative or executive branch official. Exempt activity does not have to be reported on the UT System Contact With Federal Officials Reporting Form.