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The push to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas has gained significant momentum in the 89th legislative session. With multiple bills filed to address the issue—including Senate Bill 19 (SB 19) by State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) and House Bill 3257 (HB 3257) by State Rep. Mike Olcott (R-Aledo)—the debate over whether local governments should use taxpayer dollars to influence state policy has once again taken center stage.
Additionally, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) has previously supported restrictions on taxpayer-funded lobbying. Now that committee assignments have been finalized, all eyes are on the legislative process as these bills move forward.
Legislative Proposals and Their Impact
Middleton’s SB 19 and Olcott’s HB 3257 aim to prohibit local governments from using taxpayer funds to hire lobbyists at the Texas Capitol. These measures seek to reform a practice that critics argue allows taxpayer dollars to be used against the interests of those who fund government operations.
If passed, the legislation would ban local governments from hiring lobbyists or paying nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ registered lobbyists. Elected officials and government employees would still be able to provide information and advocate for policies without hiring professional lobbyists. Additionally, residents would have the right to file lawsuits to stop violations, and any contracts violating the law would be void as of September 1, 2025.
Supporters argue that these measures would promote transparency and accountability by ensuring that government entities do not use taxpayer funds to influence state policy in ways that may not align with the interests of taxpayers.
Speaker Burrows’ Role in the Debate
The election of Dustin Burrows as Speaker of the Texas House has added some optimism to the effort to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying. Burrows has previously joint-authored multiple bills seeking to end the practice, including legislation in 2019 and 2021 that advanced through committees but failed to reach the House floor for a vote. Now, as Speaker, he wields considerable influence over which bills receive committee hearings and floor consideration.
Before taking the gavel, Burrows publicly expressed support for banning taxpayer-funded lobbying. His position suggests that SB 19 and HB 3257 may have a smoother path forward than previous efforts, provided that the House’s leadership aligns on the issue.
Committee Assignments and Legislative Process
The fate of these bills will largely depend on which committees oversee them.
In the Senate, SB 19 has been referred to the Senate Committee on State Affairs, chaired by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola). Hughes has a history of supporting bans on taxpayer-funded lobbying, and with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s endorsement, the bill is expected to move quickly through the upper chamber.
In the House, HB 3257 will likely be considered by the State Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian). King has previously opposed bans on taxpayer-funded lobbying, making the bill’s progress uncertain. However, the House’s new Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Cecil Bell Jr. (R-Magnolia)—a past supporter of similar bans—could provide an alternative path forward, especially as many of the House lawmakers who are members of that committee have previously publicly supported such a ban.
Opposition from Local Governments and Lobbying Groups
Despite strong legislative support, these proposals face strong resistance from local governments and lobbying organizations. Groups like the Texas Municipal League (TML) and the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) argue that hiring lobbyists is necessary for representing the interests of cities and counties at the state level. They contend that local governments need experienced professionals to navigate the complexities of the legislative process and ensure their communities are adequately represented.
Critics of taxpayer-funded lobbying counter that these funds are often used to oppose taxpayer priorities and push for policies that increase government spending and regulation. They argue that elected officials should be responsible for advocating on behalf of their constituents rather than outsourcing the task to lobbyists paid with public funds.
Public Support and Grassroots Pressure
Public sentiment has long favored a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying.
In the 2020 Republican primary, nearly 95% of voters supported a ban on the practice. A 2019 WFAA/TPPF poll found that nine out of ten Texans supported efforts to prohibit taxpayer-funded lobbying. A University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll showed that 69% of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents favored the ban.
Additionally, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has voiced support for banning taxpayer-funded lobbying, further amplifying political pressure to pass the legislation. The Republican Party of Texas has also named it a legislative priority, calling for a ban on all forms of taxpayer-funded lobbying, including payments to lobbying associations.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The Texas Senate has historically been more receptive to banning taxpayer-funded lobbying, and given its current makeup, SB 19 is expected to pass there without significant obstacles. The House, however, has traditionally been where such bills stall, often due to opposition from members aligned with local government interests.
With Speaker Burrows now in charge, the biggest question is whether he will use his influence to move the legislation forward. If the bills can clear committee hurdles, they are likely to have strong backing among House Republicans and could reach the governor’s desk.
Will the 89th Legislature Finally End Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying?
With strong legislative backing, a supportive Speaker and Lieutenant Governor, a supportive Governor, and broad public approval, the chances of passing a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying appear stronger than in previous sessions. However, resistance from well-funded local government associations and lobbyists remains a major obstacle.
Key factors to watch include how quickly SB 19 and HB 3257 advance through committees, whether Speaker Burrows actively supports their passage, and how much public pressure is applied to lawmakers in both chambers.
Texans concerned about taxpayer-funded lobbying should remain engaged and contact their representatives to express support for the legislation. As the session progresses, the outcome of this debate will serve as a key test of whether lawmakers prioritize the interests of taxpayers or yield to pressure from special interests.
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