Gavel-to-Gavel: A Ban on Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying on the Horizon?

Howdy!

With just two weeks left until the bill filing deadline on March 14th, lawmakers are rushing to get their priorities on the table. Each day, we’re seeing an increasing number of bills filed—covering everything from tax relief and border security to education reform and government transparency. As the legislative session heats up, the stakes are rising, and the window for new proposals is quickly closing.

Meanwhile, the fight for school choice is moving forward, with key legislation set for public hearings in the House Public Education Committee. A proposed ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying seems to have an avenue to finally get across the finish line this session as well. As bills start making their way through the legislative process, now is the time to stay engaged and informed. In this week’s Gavel to Gavel, we break down the latest updates, key committee actions, and what’s ahead for major legislative priorities. Let’s dive in!

For Liberty, For Texas

Jeramy D. Kitchen
President, Texas Policy Research

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Featured

Will Texas Finally End Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying?
A Look at the 89th Legislature’s Efforts

Every legislative session, Texans voice their frustration over taxpayer dollars being used to lobby against their own interests—but will the 89th Legislature finally put an end to it? Efforts to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying have gained renewed momentum, with lawmakers pushing to close the loopholes that allow local governments to use public funds to influence policy. This fight isn’t just about cutting wasteful spending—it’s about restoring transparency and ensuring that tax dollars serve the people, not special interests. In this legislative spotlight we break down the latest legislative efforts, the key players in the debate, and what it will take to finally outlaw this controversial practice. Will lawmakers stand with taxpayers or cave to lobbyists?

Stay Informed With Our Legislative Priority Trackers

With the 89th Texas Legislature in full swing, keeping up with key legislative priorities can feel overwhelming. That’s why Texas Policy Research has created Legislative Priority Trackers—a good-faith effort to monitor the status of the bills championed by Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows as they navigate the legislative process. From committee assignments to final votes, our trackers provide real-time updates on the policies shaping Texas’ future. Whether you’re an engaged citizen, policy advocate, or just trying to stay informed, this is your go-to resource for tracking the most critical legislation of the session..

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Other Recent Content

School Choice Bill Secures Majority Support in Texas House

• After months of debate, a school choice bill has officially secured majority support in the Texas House, marking a significant victory for parents seeking more control over their children’s education. With Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and other school choice measures gaining traction, the battle now shifts to legislative negotiations and potential roadblocks from opposition forces. Will this momentum be enough to get a final bill across the finish line?

• In this update we break down the latest developments, key lawmakers backing the initiative, and what this means for families across the state. Whether you support or oppose school choice, this update provides critical insight into the fight for educational freedom in Texas.

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Texas Budget Riders: A Key Component of the State Budget Process

• When it comes to the Texas budget, most people focus on the headline numbers—but the real influence often lies in the details. Budget riders, lesser-known provisions attached to spending bills, shape how taxpayer dollars are allocated and restrict or expand the power of state agencies. These riders can determine everything from funding for border security to constraints on public education dollars, making them a key battleground for policymakers. Understanding how they work is crucial to grasping the full picture of Texas’ budget process.

• In this explainer, we break down the role of budget riders, how they have been used in past legislative sessions, and what taxpayers should watch for in the upcoming budget cycle. If you care about fiscal responsibility and government transparency, this is a must-read.

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Quote of the Week

“For too long, taxpayers’ and parents’ own tax dollars have been used to lobby against them in Austin. These taxpayer-funded lobbyists have squandered millions of dollars of your hard-earned dollars to lobby against border security, election integrity, parental choice in education, teacher pay raises, and even fought against property tax relief and reform.”

–  Texas State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston)

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In Case You Missed It

Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency:
A Win for Limited Government Advocates

• In what could turn out to be a victory for taxpayers and advocates of limited government, the Texas House of Representatives has established the Committee on the Delivery of Government Services—a crucial step toward ensuring efficiency and accountability in state agencies. This new committee will purportedly on eliminating wasteful spending, streamlining bureaucracy, and improving the effectiveness of government programs. With Texas’ budget and government operations growing larger every session, this move might signal a commitment to smarter governance.

• But will this committee truly deliver on its promises, or will it fall victim to political gridlock? In this update we explore the implications of this initiative, its potential impact on fiscal policy, and what taxpayers should watch for in the coming months. Get the full breakdown and see why this could be a game-changer for conservative governance in Texas!

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Highlights of Upcoming Committee Hearing Schedules

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Filed Legislation Summaries

• We have read through all of the filed legislation for the 89th Legislative Session. While lawmakers will continue filing new bills—and we’ll continue analyzing them—we’ve already compiled summaries of each piece of legislation to give you a head start. These summaries are just the beginning as we gear up for our next round of in-depth policy analysis and prepare our more comprehensive floor reports as the session is underway.

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Upcoming Events

This week we were happy to participate in the Young Republicans of Texas’ Legislative Day at the Capitol by discussing strategies for bill reading and the legislative process.

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Texas Policy Research is proud to partner with organizations and groups across Texas to share insights and expertise. Here’s where you can find us next:

• Richardson Republican Women
  • When: Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 6:00 pm
  • Where: Spring Creek BBQ, 270 N. Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080
  • Topic(s): 89th Legislative Session Update

• RED Texas Forum
  • When: Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
  • Where: La Prada Church of Christ, 2724 La Prada Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150
  • Topic(s): Texas Legislative Process & 89th Legislative Session Update

Want a Speaker at Your Event?

Bring Texas Policy Research to your next event! Our team is available to speak on a variety of topics, including the Texas legislative process, engaging with lawmakers, and policy updates. Submit your request today here.

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Legislative Countdowns

Bill Filing Deadline: 15 Days
89th Legislative Session Ends: 95 Days

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