Federal Gift and Travel Rules
The California State University is an entity that employs federal lobbyists and is registered as such under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Therefore, the CSU
and all CSU employees are subject to a detailed and complicated set of restrictions when it comes to providing gifts and travel to members of Congress and Congressional staff. These limitations can be found in the ethics rules of the
House and
Senate.
CSU guidance regarding Congressional gifts and travel (.pdf) provides summary information and basic guidance about those rules. Executive Branch employees are also subject to
gift restrictions. By Executive Order of the President, federal political appointees are subject to more
stringent limitations. Compliance with the rules is essential; knowing violation of these rules can lead to civil or criminal penalties. Any questions about their applicability should be directed to
Trevor Guthrie in the CSU Office of Federal Relations. Both can be reached by phone at (202) 434-8060.
Lobbying Registration and Disclosure
The California State University is registered under the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act as an organization that employs in-house lobbyists. Therefore, the CSU must file: (a) quarterly "lobbying activities" reports; and (b) semi-annual "reports of certain contributions." The links below provide detailed information about those reports.
The Lobbying Disclosure Act
Lobbying Disclosure Act Guidance
House Lobbying Disclosure
Senate Public Disclosure