The bill amends the Government Code by adding a new section, 556.0056, which restricts political subdivisions from using public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits these subdivisions from spending public funds to hire individuals who must register as lobbyists to lobby members of the legislature or to pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and hire lobbyists. If a political subdivision violates this provision, taxpayers or residents can seek injunctive relief to stop the prohibited activity 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 county judges or commissioners may serve on the governing bodies of associations or nonprofit organizations but cannot use public funds for such memberships if it violates the new lobbying restrictions. The bill also repeals Section 89.002 of the Local Government Code and establishes that the new restrictions apply to any expenditure of public funds made on or 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)