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 offices. The bill also introduces provisions that exempt certain local officeholders from this prohibition, specifically those in political subdivisions with populations of 150,000 or less, provided they do not receive a salary for their position. Additionally, it clarifies that a presiding officer or other officeholder is not considered to have received a salary if they refuse to accept one.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that individuals who are members of Congress, the legislature, or statewide officeholders cannot register as lobbyists. It also stipulates that any registration as a lobbyist will expire when the individual takes office in one of the specified 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)