Overall Vote Recommendation

Yes

Principle Criteria

Free Enterprise

Property Rights

Personal Responsibility

Limited Government

Individual Liberty

Digest

SB 19 restricts the use of public funds by political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits these entities from spending taxpayer dollars to hire registered lobbyists or pay membership dues to nonprofit organizations that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ lobbyists. This measure is intended to prevent government entities from using public money to influence legislation in ways that may not align with taxpayers' interests.

However, the bill does not prevent local government officials or employees from engaging with the legislature. It explicitly allows elected officials to advocate for or against legislation in their official capacity, provided they do not require lobbyist registration. It also permits employees to provide information to legislators and testify before committees. Additionally, SB 19 allows political subdivisions to reimburse officials and employees for direct travel expenses incurred while engaging in legislative advocacy.

By limiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, SB 19 seeks to promote government accountability and transparency, ensuring that public funds are used for essential services rather than lobbying efforts that could increase government regulation or spending. This bill aligns with efforts to maintain limited government and reinforce personal responsibility among elected officials.

The committee substitute tightens the original bill’s restrictions by removing explicit exemptions for nonprofit employees engaged in bill tracking and legislative communication. It also eliminates taxpayer lawsuit provisions while maintaining the prohibition on taxpayer-funded lobbying and restricting county spending on certain associations. These changes likely make the bill more enforceable while reducing potential legal challenges from taxpayers.

Author

Mayes Middleton

Paul Bettencourt

Donna Campbell

Brandon Creighton

Peter Flores

Brent Hagenbuch

Bob Hall

Adam Hinojosa

Phil King

Tan Parker

Angela Paxton

Charles Schwertner

Co-Author

Joan Huffman

Contact the Author

Sen. Mayes Middleton

Capitol Phone:

(512) 463-0111

Capitol Office:

EXT E1.706

E-Mail:

Mayes.Middleton@senate.texas.gov

Visit Official Website

Fiscal Notes

The fiscal note for SB 19 indicates that no fiscal impact is anticipated at the state level. The bill does not require additional state resources or expenditures, meaning it will not affect the state's budget.

However, the impact on local governments could be significant. Political subdivisions (such as counties, cities, and school districts) that currently use taxpayer funds to hire lobbyists or pay for lobbying services may need to find alternative ways to engage with the legislature, which could result in additional administrative burdens or costs for in-house advocacy efforts. Additionally, local governments could face financial liability if they lose an injunctive relief lawsuit filed by taxpayers or residents, as the bill (in its originally filed version) allows for the recovery of attorney’s fees.

Overall, while SB 19 does not impose costs on the state, it could lead to financial adjustments for local governments as they shift from using professional lobbyists to directly engaging with lawmakers.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Senate Bill 19 (SB 19) is an essential measure to prevent political subdivisions from using taxpayer funds for lobbying purposes. The bill ensures that local government entities cannot hire registered lobbyists or pay membership dues to organizations that engage in lobbying. This policy aligns with the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility, as it stops taxpayer dollars from being used to advocate for policies that may not reflect the will of the taxpayers themselves. Instead, it encourages elected officials and government employees to directly engage with the legislative process, ensuring greater accountability and transparency.

A key strength of the committee substitute is that it retains the injunctive relief provision, allowing taxpayers or residents to take legal action against political subdivisions that violate the law. This enforcement mechanism ensures compliance by giving individuals a direct means to challenge improper expenditures. Additionally, local governments that lose such lawsuits may be required to cover reasonable attorney’s fees, further discouraging violations.

By maintaining both strong restrictions on taxpayer-funded lobbying and an enforcement mechanism to hold violators accountable, SB 19 deserves strong support. It upholds fiscal responsibility by ensuring that public funds are used for essential government services rather than advancing special interests through lobbying efforts.

Political Landscape:

Banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying is a named legislative priority of the Republican Party of Texas
SB 19 is a named legislative priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

References

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

The Case for Banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying in Texas

Related Legislation

HB 3257 (Same As)

View Bill Text and Status