H.B. No. 119 amends the Government Code to establish new registration requirements for lobbyists who engage in lobbying activities on behalf of foreign adversaries. The bill introduces a new category of registration under Section 305.003(a), which requires individuals to register if they communicate directly with members of the legislative or executive branches to influence legislation or administrative action on behalf of a foreign adversary, a foreign adversary client, or a foreign adversary political party. This addition is marked by the insertion of a new subsection (3) in the existing law.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits registrants from receiving any form of compensation from foreign adversaries or related entities while engaging in lobbying activities. This prohibition is detailed in the newly added Section 305.030, which outlines definitions for terms such as "foreign adversary," "foreign adversary client," and "foreign adversary political party." The bill also grants the attorney general the authority to seek injunctive relief and impose civil penalties for violations of these provisions, with penalties reaching up to $10,000 per violation. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to conduct and compensation received after that date.

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