Bill > HB1189

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties) can use public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits political subdivisions from spending public money to hire registered lobbyists to lobby state legislators or to pay membership fees to nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists. The bill allows taxpayers or residents to seek legal injunctions to stop such spending and to recover their legal fees if they successfully challenge these expenditures. It also modifies existing laws about county commissioners' participation in county associations, clarifying that they cannot spend public funds to join or serve on associations in violation of the new lobbying restrictions. Additionally, the bill removes previous language that allowed associations to provide legislative information and adds provisions that prevent associations from contributing to political campaigns or endorsing candidates. The new restrictions will apply to expenditures made on or after September 1, 2025, and any existing contract terms that violate these provisions will be considered void on that date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1189