Human Resources

5.10 Lobbying/Political Activity

The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with specific regulations required of all state agencies regarding lobbying and political activity.

Origination date: 10/1/1993
Revised: 1/1/2000, 4/13/2004
Applicability: Academic Professionals, Administrators, Classified Staff, Faculty, Service Professionals

Lobbying Policy

Employees who are authorized by the President to lobby on behalf of the Arizona Board of Regents must be registered by the University and the Arizona Board of Regents with the State of Arizona. Employees authorized to lobby on behalf of the university are identified by the President and include the Director of Government Relations, as the designated public lobbyist. An employee who is not an authorized lobbyist and who needs to contact a member of the legislature or a legislative employee on behalf of the university must first contact the Office of the President.

Lobbyists shall not contribute to candidate campaigns or raise money for legislators when the legislature is in regular session or for the Governor when the legislature is in regular session, or when regular session legislation is pending executive approval or veto. Lobbyists shall not give gifts valued at more than $10 to state officers or state employees. Gifts do not include informational materials, such as brochures, reports, or pamphlets.

Political Activity

Employees may participate in political activity outside their employment, but shall not allow their interest in a particular party candidate, or political issue to affect the performance of their University duties, or interfere with other employees’ timely completion of their University responsibilities.

An employee shall not, directly or by implication, use the name of the university or his/her affiliation with the university in the endorsement of political candidates, initiatives, referenda, or in supporting or opposing a position on other political issues.

An employee who plans to campaign for public office or who is elected to public office should request a personal leave of absence, if his/her candidacy or public office prevents him/her from being available to perform his/her assigned duties and responsibilities.

The use of University resources, including mail, e-mail or web sites, for the purpose of attempting to promote or defeat the election of a candidate for public office, or the passage or a ballot measure is prohibited.

An employee may answer operational or technical questions or provide operational information at the request of a legislator or legislative employee.

Refer to Arizona Revised Statutes Sections 41-1231 through 41-1239, and ABOR Policy # 6-905