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), requiring individuals who communicate directly with members of the legislative or executive branch to influence legislation or administrative action on behalf of a foreign adversary, foreign adversary client, or foreign adversary political party to register as lobbyists. Additionally, it prohibits these registrants from receiving any form of compensation from foreign adversaries or related entities for their lobbying activities.

The bill also adds Section 305.030, which defines key terms such as "foreign adversary," "foreign adversary client," and "foreign adversary political party." It establishes civil penalties for violations, allowing the attorney general to seek injunctive relief and impose fines of up to $10,000 for each violation, along with 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.

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)