S.B. No. 19 aims to restrict the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities. The bill introduces a new section, 556.0056, to the Government Code, which prohibits political subdivisions from spending public funds to hire lobbyists or to pay nonprofit organizations that contract with lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying members of the legislature. However, exceptions are made for associations that solely represent elected sheriffs and for certain activities conducted by officers or employees of political subdivisions, such as providing information to legislators or advocating for legislation without requiring lobbyist registration. Additionally, the bill allows taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief if a political subdivision engages in prohibited activities.

The bill also amends Section 89.002 of the Local Government Code, clarifying that counties may spend money from their general fund for membership fees and dues to nonprofit state associations of counties, provided they do not engage in lobbying activities as defined in the new section. The amendments ensure that any contracts or expenditures that violate the new restrictions are void. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to expenditures made on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)