86R975 ATP-F
By: Davis of Harris H.B. No. 780
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to lobbying by certain former officers of state
government; creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 572, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 572.062 to read as follows:
Sec. 572.062. FORMER LEGISLATOR OR STATEWIDE OFFICEHOLDER:
LOBBYING RESTRICTED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) In this section,
"administrative action," "communicates directly with,"
"legislation," "member of the executive branch," and "member of the
legislative branch" have the meanings assigned by Section 305.002.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a person who is a
former member of the legislature or a former holder of an office
normally filled by statewide election may not engage in activities
that require registration under Chapter 305 before the first
anniversary of the first day of the first regular legislative
session to convene after the date the person ceases to be a member
of the legislature or statewide officeholder, as applicable.
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to a person who:
(1) communicates directly with a member of the
legislative or executive branch to influence legislation or
administrative action; and
(2) does not receive compensation other than
reimbursement for actual expenses for a communication described by
Subdivision (1).
(d) A person who violates this section commits an offense.
An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. Section 572.062, Government Code, as added by
this Act, applies only to a member of the legislature or statewide
officeholder who ceases to hold office on or after the effective
date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 12, 2021.