The bill, H.B. No. 571, introduces new restrictions on the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits these subdivisions from spending public funds to hire lobbyists or to pay nonprofit organizations that employ lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying the legislature. However, exceptions are made for counties or municipalities that wish to influence legislation related to military service members or veterans, as well as for full-time employees of nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions, allowing them to provide legislative services and communicate with legislators.

Additionally, the bill amends existing provisions regarding the spending of county funds on membership fees for nonprofit state associations of counties. It clarifies that counties may spend money for such memberships unless the association engages in lobbying activities as defined in the new section. Taxpayers or residents of a political subdivision are granted the right to seek injunctive relief if they believe their subdivision is violating these restrictions. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to expenditures made on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)