Bill > HB1294

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties) 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 membership dues to nonprofit associations that employ lobbyists. If a political subdivision violates these restrictions, taxpayers or residents can seek a legal injunction to stop the activity and can recover their attorney's fees if successful. The bill also modifies existing laws about county participation in associations, clarifying that county judges and commissioners can serve on governing bodies of county associations but cannot spend public funds to do so if it would violate the new lobbying restrictions. The bill applies to expenditures and payments made on or after September 1, 2025, and any contract terms that conflict with the new restrictions will be considered void on that date. This legislation aims to limit the use of taxpayer money for lobbying efforts and increase transparency in how public funds are spent by local government entities.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1294