Bill > SB1845

This bill expands lobbyist registration requirements and creates significant restrictions on lobbying activities involving foreign adversaries. Under the new law, individuals must register as lobbyists if they communicate with legislative or executive branch members to influence legislation on behalf of a "foreign adversary" – a term comprehensively defined to include specific foreign governments, their agencies, controlled entities, and affiliated organizations. The bill introduces strict prohibitions preventing registered lobbyists from receiving any direct or indirect compensation from foreign adversaries, their clients, or political parties when engaging in lobbying activities. The Texas Attorney General is empowered to take legal action against violators, with potential civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation and the full amount of any improper compensation received. Importantly, the law provides detailed definitions of terms like "control" and "foreign adversary" to ensure precise implementation, and the provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, applying only to conduct and compensation occurring on or after that date. The legislation aims to enhance transparency and prevent potential foreign influence in state-level legislative and administrative processes by creating robust registration and compensation restrictions for lobbyists representing foreign adversarial interests.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1845