The bill amends the Government Code by adding Section 556.0056, which prohibits political subdivisions from using public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, it restricts these subdivisions from hiring individuals who are required to register as lobbyists to lobby members of the legislature, as well as from paying nonprofit state associations that represent political subdivisions and hire lobbyists. If a political subdivision violates this provision, taxpayers or residents can seek injunctive relief to stop the prohibited activities and recover reasonable attorney's fees if they prevail in court.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 81.026 of the Local Government Code to clarify that while county judges and commissioners can serve on the governing bodies of associations, they cannot use public funds to do so in violation of the new lobbying restrictions. The bill also repeals Section 89.002 of the Local Government Code and establishes that the new restrictions on public fund expenditures apply to any payments 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)