The bill, H.B. No. 1294, introduces new restrictions on the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits political subdivisions from spending public funds to hire individuals who are required to register as lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying members of the legislature. Additionally, it restricts payments to nonprofit state associations or organizations that primarily represent political subdivisions if those organizations hire or contract with lobbyists. The bill also grants taxpayers or residents the right to seek injunctive relief if a political subdivision engages in prohibited activities, allowing them to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs if they prevail in such actions.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding the spending of county funds on membership fees and dues for nonprofit state associations of counties. It clarifies that counties may only spend such funds in compliance with the new lobbying restrictions. The amendments also ensure that any contract terms that conflict with the new provisions are rendered void upon the bill's effective date. 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 81.026, Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 81, Local Government Code 89)