The bill amends Section 556.0055(a) of the Government Code to prohibit political subdivisions or private entities that receive state funds from using those funds to cover certain lobbying expenses. Specifically, the bill clarifies that these entities cannot use public funds to pay for lobbying expenses incurred by themselves or to pay individuals or entities that are required to register with the Texas Ethics Commission. Additionally, it extends this prohibition to include any partners, employees, or related entities of those registered lobbyists, as well as individuals or entities hired to influence legislation or government policies.

The new legal language replaces the previous wording that allowed for some ambiguity regarding the use of state funds for lobbying activities. The bill stipulates that the amended provisions will apply to expenditures made on or after the effective date of the Act, while expenditures made prior to that date will continue to be governed by the existing law. The Act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 556.0055 (Government Code 556)