House Bill No. 755 introduces new regulations for certain public entities in Texas that engage in lobbying activities. It adds Section 556.0056 to the Government Code, which outlines specific restrictions on lobbying expenditures and reimbursements. The bill applies to various public entities, including political subdivisions, regional mobility authorities, transit authorities, and public institutions of higher education. Under the new provisions, these entities are prohibited from spending public funds or compensating lobbyists to influence legislation unless such expenditures are authorized by a majority vote in an open meeting and listed as a stand-alone agenda item. Additionally, public entities must publish detailed information about any contracts with lobbyists on their websites, including the amount authorized for lobbying, the name of the lobbyist, and any relevant contracts or legislative agendas.

The bill also prohibits public entities from reimbursing lobbyists for expenses related to food, beverages, or entertainment. If a public entity fails to comply with these requirements, residents or service recipients can file a sworn complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission. Furthermore, the bill repeals Section 2254.030 of the Government Code and clarifies that the new regulations will only apply to contracts entered into after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2254.030 (Government Code 2254)