S.B. No. 1845 aims to enhance the regulation of lobbying activities in Texas, specifically targeting individuals who lobby on behalf of foreign adversaries. The bill amends Section 305.003(a) of the Government Code to require registration for individuals who communicate with members of the legislative or executive branches to influence legislation or administrative action on behalf of a foreign adversary, in addition to existing requirements for those who make expenditures or receive compensation for lobbying activities. The bill also introduces a new section, 305.030, which prohibits registrants from receiving compensation from foreign adversaries, foreign adversary clients, or foreign adversary political parties, and establishes civil penalties for violations.

The new legal definitions provided in Section 305.030 clarify what constitutes a "foreign adversary," "foreign adversary client," and "foreign adversary political party," among other terms. The bill empowers the attorney general to seek injunctive relief and civil penalties against those who violate these provisions, with penalties reaching up to $10,000 per violation and the amount of any compensation received in violation of the law. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to conduct and compensation received after that date, ensuring that prior actions are governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 305.003 (Government Code 305)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 305.003 (Government Code 305)