H.B. No. 223 amends Section 252.022 of the Local Government Code to clarify exemptions to competitive requirements for municipal purchases. The bill introduces a new provision that specifies that procurements for personal, professional, or planning services are exempt from competitive requirements, with the exception of those related to lobbying, government relations, or similar services intended to influence state or federal lawmakers on behalf of a municipality. This change aims to streamline the procurement process for municipalities while ensuring transparency in lobbying-related expenditures.

The bill stipulates that the amendments will only apply to contracts for procurement made on or after September 1, 2025, allowing existing contracts to remain governed by the previous law. This transitional provision ensures that municipalities have time to adjust to the new regulations while maintaining continuity for contracts established prior to the effective date. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency of municipal procurement processes while addressing specific concerns related to lobbying activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 252.022 (Local Government Code 252)