Relating to a restriction on the authority of a state agency to spend appropriated money to provide financial support to certain organizations and events.

SB 2178 restricts Texas state agencies from using public funds to sponsor, partner with, donate to, or support news media organizations, nonprofits, or private events. Exceptions include spending specifically authorized by law, spending directly related to an agency’s duties, purchasing newspaper subscriptions, or covering employee training costs. This bill directly affects state departments (like education or health agencies) when budgeting for external partnerships or events. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to routine operational expenses like employee training or media subscriptions.