Texas House Bill HB123

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/18/25

Caption

Relating to expenditures for lobbying activities made by certain entities.

Impact

The enactment of HB 123 would lead to significant changes in how political subdivisions and private entities manage their expenditures regarding lobbying activities. By forbidding the use of state funds for such expenditures, the bill aims to increase accountability and transparency in financial operations related to influencing legislation. This could also affect how organizations strategize their lobbying efforts, as they would need to seek alternative funding sources that do not rely on public funds.

Summary

House Bill 123 seeks to restrict the use of public funds by political subdivisions and private entities for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits recipients of state funds from using those funds to pay for lobbying expenses or to engage with registered lobbyists as defined by the Texas Ethics Commission. This legislative intent is geared towards ensuring that taxpayer money is not utilized to influence government decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the ethical standards of public funding.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding its implications for advocacy and public interest groups that may rely on state funding to support their lobbying efforts. Some critics may argue that restricting funding for lobbying activities stifles the voice of entities that represent various causes and interests, undermining their ability to engage with lawmakers effectively. In contrast, supporters would contend that the law is essential in curbing inappropriate uses of taxpayer dollars and ensuring that public funds serve the public interest without being diverted to lobbying efforts.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 556. Political Activities By Certain Public Entities And Individuals
  • Section: 0055