Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995

Pamela J. Bernard, General Counsel

The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (“LDA”) was signed into law on December 19, 1995. The LDA significantly overhauls the federal lobbying laws by requiring “lobbyists” or their employees to register with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate. The LDA also requires registrants who meet certain criteria to file semi-annual reports on their federal lobbying activities.

If the University employs one or more persons who spend 20% or more of their time lobbying at the federal level, it is required to make a good faith estimate of all lobbying expenses incurred for lobbying activities.

In order for the University to monitor its lobbying expenditures, any individual who desires to engage in lobbying activities on behalf of the University of Florida at the federal level must coordinate those efforts through Jon Mills, Chair, President’s Council on External Relations. While this requirement should not be considered as prohibiting or restricting any efforts by University employees to exercise their rights to petition their government or their right to free speech, any lobbying activities undertaken at the federal level without the approval of that office will not be considered to be made on behalf of the University of Florida.

Finally, please be reminded that feredal law prohibits the use of feredal funds, directly or indirectly, for lobbying the federal government.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Mills at (352) 392-2237.