The bill, introduced by Representative Hickland, amends Chapter 556 of 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 associations that engage lobbyists for the purpose of influencing legislative members. Additionally, school district employees are barred from using public funds or resources to directly communicate with legislative members to influence legislation.

The bill also provides legal recourse for taxpayers or residents of a school district if they believe a school district or its employees have violated these restrictions. They are entitled to seek injunctive relief to prevent further prohibited activities and recover reasonable attorney's fees if they prevail in such actions. The provisions of this bill will apply only to expenditures made after its effective date, which is set for the 91st day following the end of the legislative session.

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