House Bill No. 127 introduces new regulations regarding the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities. It adds Section 556.0056 to the Government Code, which prohibits political subdivisions from spending public funds to hire lobbyists or to pay nonprofit organizations that employ lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying members of the legislature. Additionally, the bill allows taxpayers or residents of a political subdivision to seek injunctive relief if such prohibited activities occur, and those who prevail in such actions can recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

The bill also amends Section 81.026 of the Local Government Code to clarify that while county judges and commissioners may serve on the governing bodies of associations, they cannot use public funds to do so in violation of the new lobbying restrictions. Furthermore, Section 89.002 of the Local Government Code is repealed, and the provisions of the new section apply to any expenditure of public funds made after the effective date of the Act, rendering any conflicting contract terms void. The Act is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 81.026, Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 81, Local Government Code 89)