H.B. No. 223 amends Section 252.022(a) of the Local Government Code to clarify the exemptions from competitive procurement requirements for municipalities. The bill specifically adds provisions that exclude procurements for lobbying, government relations, or similar services intended to influence state or federal lawmakers on behalf of a municipality from the competitive bidding process. This change aims to streamline the procurement process for municipalities seeking these specific services, which are now explicitly categorized as exceptions.

The new legal language inserted into the current law specifies that while personal, professional, or planning services are generally exempt from competitive procurement, lobbying and related services are now distinctly identified as exceptions. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to contracts for procurement made on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 252.022 (Local Government Code 252)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 252.022 (Local Government Code 252)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 252.022 (Local Government Code 252)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 252.022 (Local Government Code 252)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 252.022 (Local Government Code 252)