FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOBBYING AND CILS remainder of this FAQ, there may be other federal, state, or local laws or regulations How does the lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 affect centers? http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/readings_in_IL/lobbying.html
Extractions: Ed Roberts This FAQ addresses lobbying questions which have been raised during our training programs, technical assistance calls, and consultant work. It was originally developed in May 1997. We have just revised it in response to amendments made to OMB Circular A-122. In developing this FAQ, a study was conducted of pertinent regulations of the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education, and then the answers were reviewed with an attorney specializing in lobbying issues and with John Nelson, chief of Independent Living Branch of Rehabilitation Services Administration and other officials of the Department of Education. We hope you find this FAQ useful, and we welcome any recommendations for improving it that you care to offer. 1. Are centers for independent living allowed to lobby?
FAQ About Lobbying And CILs state, or local laws or regulations which affect the lobbying activities of a center. How does the lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 affect centers? http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/faqs/ilnet_lobbying97.htm
JS Online: Bankruptcy Laws May Be Tightening The Bankruptcy Coalition, a lobbying group that includes JPMorgan Chase, The new law, they said, would mostly affect struggling middleincome families. http://www.jsonline.com/bym/news/jan05/288766.asp
Extractions: More Classifieds... Merchandise Rummage Sales Tickets Contests Personals Place ads online More... Subscriber Services... Get the Journal Sentinel Manage your account - Vacation holds - Make Payments Get Packer Plus Place classified ads Photo reprints PressCard discounts Celebrations Front pages online News Business Sports Entertainment ... Careers Then Dameon, 32, lost his technician job at Nextel Corp. in Houston and was able to find only part-time work. In September, the couple filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 7 of the U.S. bankruptcy code, allowing them to forgo their credit card debt. We needed to get things under control, Dameon Rhodes said. We just werent able to handle all the debt.
TCA Tool-Kit: Advocacy lobbying is a form of advocacy that focuses on changing laws that affect individuals lives and issues communities care about. lobbying is an appropriate http://www.arts.state.tx.us/toolkit/advocacy/lobbying.asp
Extractions: Organizations have a choice between two sets of rules to follow. They can choose either the Substantial Part Test or the Expenditure Test, also known as the 501(h) election. The Choice: Substantial Part vs. Expenditure Test Substantial Part Allowable amounts of lobbying expenditures are not clearly defined Expenditure Test- 501(h) Simple formula defines dollar amount allowable for lobbying expenditures A single year violation may result in the loss of tax-exempt status A four-year violation may result in the loss of tax-exempt status; a single year violation is not enough to impact tax-exempt status.
Extractions: Cat Overpopulation ... This article available in PDF format Unraveling the Mysteries of Grass Roots Lobbying Grass roots lobbying is the foundation of the American political system. Through this medium, our lawmakers learn what the will of their constituents is, and the manner in which these lawmakers respond is the basis on which they are held accountable. Unfortunately, knowledge of how this system works has allowed small, but well-organized and vocal lobbying groups to exert undue influence, and thus, bad laws are sometimes passed. Once passed, the recourse is limited to the bank-breaking court system or the time-consuming and expensive task of accomplishing legislation to overturn those bad laws. When bad laws are in place, beaurocracy takes over to implement and enforce them; and they then become entrenched in mainstream society. The animal rights movement has made itself a master of grass roots lobbying of motivating people to write letters and to call their lawmakers stating positions on an issue. Despite the small numbers of "true believers," the movement has exerted a tremendous influence on local, state and national laws. Often these laws are passed based on spurious or downright false data and rationale ... but without opposition, and without a means to educate lawmakers to accurate information, the laws are going onto the books all across North America. Pet owners and breeders can, and must, learn to organize their own grass roots groups for effective lobbying. In cities and states where this has been accomplished, the animal rights legislation that would severely limit the responsible breeding and showing of animals has been defeated.
New York State Lobbying Act ( lobbying Act created by Chapter 2 of the laws of 1999, This act shall take effect immediately and shall be deemed in full force and effect on and http://www.nylobby.state.ny.us/lobbying.html
Extractions: LOBBYING ACT ("Lobbying Act" created by Chapter 2 of the Laws of 1999, as amended by Chapter 32, Laws of 2003 and as amended most recently by Chapter 1, Laws of 2005.) Section 1-a. Legislative declaration. This article shall be known and may be cited as the " Lobbying act ". As used in this article unless the context otherwise requires: (a) The term "lobbyist" shall mean every person or organization retained, employed or designated by any client to engage in lobbying. The term "lobbyist" shall not include any officer, director, trustee, employee, counsel or agent of the state, or any municipality or subdivision thereof of New York when discharging their official duties; except those officers, directors, trustees, employees, counsels, or agents of colleges, as defined by section two of the education law. (b) The term "client" shall mean every person or organization who retains, employs or designates any person or organization to carry on lobbying activities on behalf of such client. (c) The term "lobbying"
New Ethics Law Not Expected To Affect Lobbying The State Journal has identified 11 lobbyists whose peers, legislators and others believe are the most effective when it comes to influencing state http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=682
New Lobbying Disclosure Law Will Affect Emory Lobbyists New lobbying disclosure law will affect Emory lobbyists 1 that affect not only activities construed as lobbying, but also gifts, meals, http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/1996/April/ERapril.15/4_15_96new_lob
Extractions: As a result of recent federal legislation, any employee who engages in lobbying activities on behalf of Emory will have to report those activities, through the University, to the Clerk of the U.S. House of the Representatives and the Secretary of the U.S. Senate. According to Associate Vice President for Governmental and Community Affairs Steve Moye, whose office compiles the records of University lobbying activities, two new laws went into effect on Jan. 1 that affect not only activities construed as lobbying, but also gifts, meals, entertainment and travel provided to legislators. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 requires all organizations that employ lobbyists and meet certain minimum threshold requirements to register with the appropriate House and Senate offices. The new law defines "lobbyist" as an individual who is employed by an organization "for services that include more than one lobbying contact" and devotes at least 20 percent of his or her time to "lobbying activities" over a six-month period for the organization. Emory has registered under these guidelines. Lobbying contacts are defined as contacts by an employee or lobbyist with members of Congress, their staff, or senior officials of the executive branch, concerning influencing federal legislation; influencing federal rules and regulations and executive orders; negotiation, award or administration of federal programs, policies, grants, loans, permits or licenses; and nominations subject to Senate confirmation.
Extractions: If so, then you should know about the opportunities for community foundations to lobby, support lobbying activities and participate in voter education activities to address important public policy issues. Most importantly, you should know that community foundations can serve and provide leadership by being involved in public policy. What is Public Policy Participation? What is Lobbying? Participating in the public policy process can mean conducting and getting involved in any one or more of a wide range of activities including legislative lobbying, administrative or regulatory advocacy, judicial advocacy, public interest research, public education efforts, community organizing, voter and candidate education, accessing and disseminating public information, and facilitating and building partnerships, coalitions and negotiations among nonprofits and government. Lobbying is one specific form of public policy participation that is often a key strategy for making and changing specific laws. Other forms of public policy participation may ultimately influence legislation but generally serve other key parts to the policymaking process including: building public support or opposition, create rules and appropriate funds to implement laws, inform the public and decision-makers about the consequences of making law changes as well as inaction on public issues, shaping views and opinions about the policy problems themselves and enabling and obstructing the legal environment for laws and policies. Creating civic space to discuss and make decisions about public priorities and policy decisions is another key form of participation.
CLPI: IMPORTANT EXCLUSIONS FROM LOBBYING UNDER THE 1976 LAW Exclusions from lobbying. Critical to the 1976 law are the provisions declaring public) on matters that may affect the organization s own existence, http://www.clpi.org/not_lobbying.html
Extractions: Download this document formatted for printing. IMPORTANT EXCLUSIONS FROM LOBBYING UNDER THE 1976 LAW Exclusions from Lobbying. Critical to the 1976 law are the provisions declaring that many expenditures that have some relationship to public policy and legislative issues are not treated as lobbying and so are permitted without limit. For example: Contacts with executive branch employees or legislators in support of or opposition to proposed regulations are not considered lobbying. So, if your charity is trying to get a regulation changed it may contact both members of the Executive Branch as well as legislators to urge support for your position on the regulation and the action is not considered lobbying. Lobbying by volunteers is considered a lobbying expenditure only to the extent that the charity incurs expenses associated with the volunteers' lobbying. For example, volunteers working for a charity could organize a huge rally of volunteers at the state capitol to lobby on an issue and the only expenses related to the rally paid by the charity would count as a lobbying expenditure.
Lobbying And Political Activity By Tax-Exempt Organizations Violation of the laws and regulations controlling lobbying and political If an election for a tax year is in effect for an organization and that http://www.muridae.com/nporegulation/lobbying.html
Extractions: Online Compendium of Federal and State Regulations for U.S. Nonprofit Organizations Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations categorized under IRC 501 (c)(3) in federal law [i.e. 26 USC 501(c)(3)] are generally permitted to " lobby " to some extent, but are absolutely prohibited from engaging in " political activity ." The distinction between these two activities is crucial, but not always simple to make. Under federal law ( IRC 501 ), lobbying to an extent beyond an " insubstantial " amount is only permitted by IRC 501(c)(3) organizations that may and do elect to qualify under the IRC 501(h) rules, which provides strict financial limits for lobbying expenditures. Violation of the laws and regulations controlling lobbying and political activity can result in any or all of: fines (in the form of excise taxes) against the organization, personal fines against organization managers, and loss of federal tax-exemption recognition. Obviously this is dangerous ground for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and their staff, yet lobbying is an important activity for many. Nonprofit organizations planning to engage in lobbying or what might be considered political activity are strongly advised to first consult with a qualified lawyer . This text provides only an educational introduction to this area of NPO regulation, and absolutely must not be considered or used as legal advice.
Idealist FAQ If you do lobbying but don t elect to be subject to the 1976 law, Electing to come under the 1976 law does not affect a charity s tax exempt status. http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/16/20.html
Extractions: Discussion: Members of the Let America Speak! coalition have been effectively opposing efforts over the last three years to curtail or end lobbying by charities. Collectively, we share the view that the rights of charities to speak out on behalf of our communities, causes and clients is critically important to achieving our missions. As many of you no doubt already know, legislation passed in 1976 by Congress clarified and greatly expanded the extent to which charities could lobby without jeopardizing their tax exempt status. Information follows that makes the case for charities to elect to come under the liberal provisions of the 1976 lobby law. If you want additional information, please contact any of our organizations listed below or Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest, 2040 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009; phone - 202/387-5048; fax - 202/387-5149; e-mail - charity.lobbying@indepsec.org
FNC | Legal Brief In considering the tax law definition of lobbying, it is important to Excerpted from Foundations and lobbying Safe Ways to affect Public Policy, http://www.foundationnews.org/CME/article.cfm?ID=2454&authByte=63927&profileID=
Donors Forum: Can I Lobby? Electing to come under the 1976 law does not affect an organization s tax The 1976 law is clear regarding what constitutes lobbying by nonprofits. http://www.donorsforum.org/policy/np_lobby.html
Extractions: For Grantmakers Nonprofit Workshops ... Lobbying Guidelines Can I Lobby? Foundation Lobbying Nonprofit Lobbying Nonprofit Lobbying Information Whether it's working with public officials on welfare reform implementation or supporting greater charitable deductions, lobbying and advocacy can play an important role for nonprofits in achieving their missions. The federal guidelines that regulate nonprofit advocacy and lobbying incorporate significant flexibility for nonprofit organizations to participate in the public policy process. The Donors Forum is a local resource for information on nonprofit advocacy. Our library holds a collection of nonprofit advocacy materials including, Worry-Free Lobbying , a free publication by the Alliance for Justice that is available on a walk-in basis only; it may not be requested for mailing. Worry-Free Lobbying is a handbook for funders and grantees that explains how to use the 501(h) election to maximize your effectiveness as an advocate and lobbyist. The
Lobbying By The Law - 2001-04-30 lobbying by the law. It s definitely not business as usual in Annapolis no one knows how the rules will affect the business of influencing government. http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2001/04/30/focus1.html
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Legislative Branch Lobbying Legislature and laws. Chapter 1. Legislature. Part III. lobbying. § 50. Purpose 1181, §5, relative to remedial nature and retroactive effect. http://www.ethics.state.la.us/laws/lobbylaw.htm
Extractions: § 58. Enforcement Title 24. Legislature and Laws Chapter 1. Legislature Part III. Lobbying §50. Purpose The legislature declares that the operation of open and responsible government requires that the fullest opportunity be afforded to the people to petition their government for the redress of grievances and to express freely their opinions on legislative action. To preserve and maintain the integrity of the legislative process, the legislature also declares it is necessary that the identity of persons who attempt to influence legislative actions and certain expenditures by those persons be publicly disclosed. Acts 1993, No. 965, §1, eff. Aug. 15, 1993. §51. Definitions When used in this Part: (1) "Board" means the ethics body which has jurisdiction over elected officials under Chapter 15 of Title 42 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. (2) "Expenditure" means the gift or payment of money or anything of value when the amount of value exceeds ten dollars for the purchase of food, drink, or refreshment for a legislator and any gift or payment as permitted by R.S. 42:1123(13) and (16) when the value exceeds ten dollars for the purpose of lobbying when the lobbyist or principal accounts or would be expected to account for the expenditure as an ordinary and necessary expense directly related to the active conduct of the lobbyist's, his employer's, or the principal's trade or business.
IGDA - Anti-Censorship - Lobbying The IGDA advocates for the rights of game developers by lobbying was awarded and new laws to regulate games were prevented from going into effect. http://www.igda.org/censorship/lobbying.php
Extractions: Join! MyProfile Store Contact ... Anti-Censorship The IGDA advocates for the rights of game developers by lobbying governmental bodies who try to censor or regulate our creative endeavors. The IGDA opposes any effort that would treat video games differently from other forms of art and entertainment. Here are some quick updates on the IGDA's anti-censorship efforts and work relating to the concern over violence in games. Recent legislative activity the IGDA is tracking in the USA: Status last updated July 26th, 2005 Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich proposed legislation on December 16th, 2004, to ban the sale and rental of all violent and sexually explicit video games to persons under the age of 18. On March 17th 2005, legislators granted preliminary approval for the HB4023, moving it along to the senate for review/approval. On March 22nd, the IGDA sent a call-to-action to ~2000 members and registered users in IL, encouraging them to express their opposition to their senators. On May 3rd got one step closer to becoming a law when the Senate Housing and Community Affairs Committee approved the bill, which now moves on for a full Senate vote. On July 25th, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed the bill, which is scheduled to take effect January 1st, 2006. The same day, the ESA filed suite against the state to kill the bill.
Extractions: This statutory database is current through the 2004 Regular Session of the South Carolina General Assembly. Changes to the statutes enacted by the 2005 General Assembly, which will convene in January 2005, will be incorporated as soon as possible. Some changes enacted by the 2005 General Assembly may take immediate effect. The State of South Carolina and the South Carolina Legislative Council make no warranty as to the accuracy of the data, and users rely on the data entirely at their own risk. Title 2 - General Assembly CHAPTER 17. LOBBYISTS AND LOBBYING SECTION Transfer of duties and powers from Secretary of State to State Ethics Commission. On July 1, 1993, the duties and powers given to the Secretary of State in this chapter must be transferred to the State Ethics Commission. When this transfer takes place, the Code Commissioner is directed to change all references in this chapter from the Secretary of State to the State Ethics Commission. SECTION Definitions.
PETA UK > Media Centre : Factsheets:Lobbying: Laying Down The Law lobbying Laying Down the Law. Efforts to create new legislation are an Explain how the bill will positively affect the legislators constituents. http://www.peta.org.uk/factsheet/files/FactsheetDisplay.asp?ID=193
Directive On Takeover Bids.Lobbying On European Law. 13th Company Law European Directive on Takeover bids. Overview. On the contrary, the proposed Directive specifically provides that it does not affect http://www.tob-eur-opa.com/legislation/european/directive/questions.html
Extractions: Takeovers Directive - questions and answers 1. Is a Takeovers Directive really necessary? The Directive aims to coordinate action by Member States to the extent necessary to afford shareholders a minimum level of protection which should be equivalent throughout the EU. The situation is currently far from being equivalent. For instance, at present the Netherlands and Germany do not require a bid to be launched in the case of a transfer of control. Furthermore, several Member States permit the board of the target company to take defensive measures in the case of a hostile take over bid without prior consent of the shareholders. This makes corporate acquisitions more difficult. Moreover, the Directive provides the means of determining which is the competent authority for the regulation of a takeover, and which law is applicable, both of which are of crucial importance, particularly in relation to cross-border takeovers. It will also ensure a basic level of disclosure and information, thus guaranteeing transparency during the takeover bid. A directive is the only means by which these objectives can be achieved. Only a directive can provide the necessary legal certainty. The key aims of this Directive could not be dealt with adequately by Member States acting unilaterally or by a Recommendation which already exists anyway (the European code of conduct on transactions of securities, 1977).
