The bill, H.B. No. 671, introduces new restrictions on the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities. It adds Section 556.0056 to the Government Code, which prohibits political 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 matters and 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 Section 89.002 of the Local Government Code, clarifying that counties may spend money from their general fund for membership fees to nonprofit state associations, provided they do not engage in lobbying activities as previously defined. The bill allows taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief if a political subdivision violates these provisions, and it ensures that any contracts that include prohibited expenditures are rendered void upon the bill's effective date. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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