Formal and informal. TxDOT staff members provide updates to the Legislature on Texas Transportation Commission actions and TxDOT activities, usually through reports, correspondence, e-mail or bimonthly electronic newsletters. TxDOT also responds to requests for information from legislators and legislative staff. State agency employees are prohibited from influencing legislation, but can act as neutral resource witnesses; the Texas Transportation Commission has the authority to provide recommendations to the governor and the Legislature on department operations and efficiencies (Tex. Transportation Code Ann. §201.0545). Upon request, TxDOT gives input to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to inform its fiscal notes on legislation. TxDOT has a dedicated government affairs office.