Bill > HB571

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties and municipalities) can use public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, political subdivisions are prohibited from spending public funds to hire registered lobbyists to lobby state legislators, or to pay nonprofit state associations that employ lobbyists. The bill allows exceptions for certain activities, such as county or municipal spending on lobbying related to military, military service members, or veterans. Nonprofit state associations representing political subdivisions can still have full-time employees provide legislative services like bill tracking, bill analysis, legislative alerts, and testifying before legislative committees. If a political subdivision violates these restrictions, a taxpayer or resident can seek a legal injunction to stop the activity and can recover their attorney's fees and costs. The bill also modifies existing law regarding county spending on membership fees and dues for nonprofit associations, ensuring such spending does not support political campaigns or candidate endorsements. The new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to public fund expenditures and payments made on or after that date, including those under existing contracts.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB571