§10706 Limitations on Grants and Contracts

Summary

The Institute must make sure grant and contract money is not used to try to change executive orders, agency rules, or to push for or against laws, constitutional amendments, or referendums. Money may be used only if a government agency, legislative body, committee, or member asks a recipient’s staff to testify, draft, or review measures, or if the government is considering a measure that directly affects the recipient’s or the Institute’s work. People paid by these funds must not do partisan political activity while they are working on the funded project. The Institute cannot pay for training that promotes particular noncourt public policies or encourages noncourt political actions. The Institute may make agreements only to the extent and in the amounts Congress provides in appropriation laws. Funds must add to and improve State courts, not replace existing State or local funding, and may not build court facilities except to remodel for new design/technology demonstrations or to provide temporary space for new or demonstration staff.