The bill, introduced by Representative Hickland, amends the Government Code by adding Section 556.0056, which establishes restrictions on the use of public funds by school districts and their employees for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits school districts from using public funds to hire lobbyists or to pay nonprofit organizations that employ lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying members of the legislative branch. Additionally, school district employees are barred from using public funds or district resources to directly communicate with legislative members to influence legislation.

The bill also provides a mechanism for accountability, allowing taxpayers or residents of a school district to seek injunctive relief if they believe a school district or its employees have violated these restrictions. If successful in such an action, they are entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs from the school district. The provisions of this new section will apply only to expenditures made on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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