The bill, S.B. No. 345, amends the Election Code and Government Code to prohibit certain elected officials from registering as lobbyists. Specifically, it adds new eligibility requirements for candidates seeking public elective office, stating that individuals who are required to register as lobbyists under Chapter 305 of the Government Code are ineligible. The bill also introduces provisions that exempt certain offices from this prohibition, including those in political subdivisions with populations of 150,000 or less, provided the officeholder does not receive a salary, and the presiding officer of governing bodies in subdivisions with populations of 50,000 or less under similar conditions.

Additionally, the bill establishes that individuals who hold positions such as members of Congress, members of the legislature, or statewide officeholders cannot register as lobbyists. It clarifies that an individual's registration as a lobbyist will expire upon taking office in one of these positions. The changes will apply only to candidates or officers whose terms begin on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for January 12, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 141.001 (Election Code 141)