S.B. No. 12 aims to restrict the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities. The bill introduces a new section, 556.0056, to the Government Code, which prohibits political subdivisions from spending public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit organizations that employ lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying members of the legislature. However, exceptions are made for associations representing elected sheriffs or law enforcement officers, as well as for certain activities that do not require lobbyist registration, such as providing information to legislators or testifying before legislative committees. Additionally, the bill allows taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief if a political subdivision engages in prohibited lobbying activities.

The bill also amends Section 89.002 of the Local Government Code, clarifying that counties may spend money from their general fund for membership fees in nonprofit state associations of counties, provided they do not engage in lobbying activities as defined in the new section. The amendments ensure that any contracts or expenditures that violate the new restrictions are void and that the provisions apply only to expenditures made after the effective date of the Act. The Act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)