Bill > HB173

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties or local government entities) can use public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, political subdivisions are prohibited from spending public money to hire registered lobbyists to lobby state legislators, or to pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and hire such lobbyists. However, the bill does allow for some exceptions: local government officers and employees can still provide information to legislators, appear before legislative committees, and advocate for or against legislation if their actions would not require lobbyist registration. If a political subdivision violates these restrictions, any taxpayer or resident can seek a legal injunction to stop the activity and can recover their legal fees if they win the case. The bill also modifies existing law regarding county associations, preventing them from using funds to influence legislation or support political campaigns. The new restrictions will apply to expenditures made on or after the bill's effective date, which will be 91 days after the end of the legislative session, and any existing contract terms that violate these restrictions will be considered void.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=HB173