What statutes or regulations do centers need to follow with regard to lobbying?
The federal government requires granting and contracting agencies, such as the Department of Education, to follow guidelines set out in the Office of Management andBudget (OMB) Circular A-122 when awarding federal funds. Centers may elect to follow guidelines set out in regulations developed under the Internal Revenue Code, Sections 501(h) and 4911. Centers which employ lobbyists or direct considerable funds to lobbying activities must meet reporting requirements set out in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-65). While requirements contained in these three documents will be covered in the remainder of this FAQ, there may be other federal, state, or local laws or regulations which affect the lobbying activities of a center. Center staff should contact agencies in their states which regulate activities of nonprofits and request provisions related to lobbying activities. It is imperative that center staff have a thorough understanding of these laws and regulations whenever issu
