Bill > HB309

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties) can use public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, the bill prohibits political subdivisions from spending public money to hire registered lobbyists to lobby state legislators or to pay membership dues to nonprofit state associations that employ lobbyists. If a political subdivision violates these restrictions, taxpayers or residents can seek an injunction to stop the activity and can recover their legal costs if they win the lawsuit. The bill also modifies existing laws about county commissioners' participation in associations, clarifying that they cannot spend public funds to join or serve on associations in violation of the new lobbying restrictions. The legislation applies to expenditures made on or after September 1, 2025, and renders any existing contract terms that would violate these new restrictions void on that date. The bill aims to prevent public funds from being used to directly or indirectly influence legislative outcomes, with a focus on transparency and preventing potential misuse of taxpayer money in lobbying efforts.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB309