Government Interaction Recommendations

Illinois law defines lobbying as a communication with a covered governmental official to influence any government action. The law also defines lobbying as a solicitation for others to communicate with government officials.

Covered government officials include Statewide-Elected officers and their executive staff, members of the Illinois General Assembly, members of Boards, Commissions, Authoritys, or Task-Forces, Mayors, Aldermen, Commissioners, and Trustees. This includes entities like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Transit Authority, which due to their status as organizations founded under State charter are governed by State lobbying rules.

Individuals speaking in their own capacity or providing professional expertise and not using University resources to communicate or solicit others to communicate with covered officials are not required to register as lobbyists. However, individuals must make clear that the views expressed are their own and not those of the University. Individuals are highly encouraged to contact Government Relations for guidance on whether an activity amounts to lobbying under Illinois law.

Illinois’s lobbying law is unique, as it governs groups that receive funding from the University.  Departments or groups who expend University resources, including funds, equipment, or University email addresses for lobbying must report this activity to Government Relations.

The City of Chicago has recently required non-profit organizations to register as lobbying entities if they have total expenses and net assets greater than $5M, and if an individual lobbying on behalf of that entity spends more than 20 hours per quarter lobbying or more than $1,250 on lobbying expenses (percentage of salary, travel, expenses).

Importantly, lobbying rules in the City of Chicago apply only to City Departments, City Council, and the Mayor's Office.

Individuals engaging in the democratic process are not subject to registration if they are using their own voice, and speaking only for themselves, or serving as a volunteer. Additionally, the categories below DO NOT CONSTITUTE LOBBYING IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

• Participation on a task force, commission, or advisory committee working on an issue of interest to the City;
• Funding a City position or program at the request of or in coordination with a City agency;
• Undertaking non-partisan analysis study or research, providing technical advice or assistance, or discussing broad social, economic, or similar problems and related solutions; or,
• Making a "self-defense" or a "grassroots lobbying" communication.

Many faculty and staff interact with Chicago departments and may advise non-profit organizations engaged in advocacy activities. It is important to contact the Office of Government Relations if you have questions about your work with the City to determine if your interactions trigger a lobbying activity that must be reported. Persons found to be in violation of the Chicago lobbying rules are held individually responsible and are subject to a fine of $1,000 per day by the Chicago Board of Ethics.