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 for public elective office, stating that individuals who are required to register as lobbyists under Chapter 305 of the Government Code cannot qualify for such positions. The bill also specifies exceptions for certain offices within political subdivisions based on population size, provided that the officeholders do not receive a salary or wage for their roles. Additionally, it clarifies that an individual’s registration as a lobbyist will expire upon taking office in a position that requires such registration.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that define the conditions under which elected officials may be exempt from the lobbying prohibition, particularly for those in smaller political subdivisions. It emphasizes that an officeholder is not considered to have received a salary if they refuse to accept any offered or budgeted salary for their office. 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)