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 spending public funds to hire lobbyists or to pay nonprofit associations that engage lobbyists for the purpose of influencing legislation. Additionally, school district employees are barred from using public funds or district resources to communicate directly with members of the legislative branch to influence legislation.

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

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Introduced: ()