The bill, H.B. No. 158, introduces new restrictions on 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 registered lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying members of the legislature or to pay nonprofit associations that represent political subdivisions and hire lobbyists. However, exceptions are made for counties or municipalities to spend public funds to influence legislation related to military matters and for full-time employees of nonprofit associations to provide legislative services or communicate with legislators.

Additionally, the bill 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, provided they do not engage in lobbying activities as previously defined. The bill allows taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief if a political subdivision violates these provisions and entitles them to recover attorney's fees if they prevail in such actions. The new regulations will apply to expenditures made on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)