HB 3257 Texas House · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.

HB 3257 prohibits political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent local governments and employ registered lobbyists. The bill directly affects local governments by restricting their ability to spend taxpayer money on lobbying activities, including influencing legislation through third-party lobbyists. Key provisions ban payments for lobbying services while allowing elected officials to advocate for legislation without registration, provide legislative information, or testify before committees. The bill aims to prevent public funds from being used for lobbying, with enforcement allowing taxpayers to seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 20, 2025 Last action Mar 20, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 20, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Affairs
lower
Mar 20, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Olcott
Mike Olcott
RRepublican
TX
60