HB 115 Texas House · 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)

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

HB 115 restricts Texas local governments (like cities and counties) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that hire lobbyists to influence state legislation. The bill specifically prohibits spending public money to contract with registered lobbyists or fund associations primarily representing local governments if those associations employ registered lobbyists, with exceptions for sheriffs' associations and certain staff activities. It allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers, advocate for policies without registering as lobbyists, and cover direct travel expenses for such activities. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited spending and recover legal fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public funds from being used to directly lobby the state legislature.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Aug 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Aug 18, 2025 Last action Aug 18, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Aug 18, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Affairs
lower
Aug 18, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
2 primary · 55 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Ellen Troxclair
Ellen Troxclair
RRepublican
TX
19
P
Photo of Terri Leo-Wilson
Terri Leo-Wilson
RRepublican
TX
23
Co
Photo of Alan Schoolcraft
Alan Schoolcraft
RRepublican
TX
44
Co
Photo of Andy Hopper
Andy Hopper
RRepublican
TX
64
Co
Photo of Angelia Orr
Angelia Orr
RRepublican
TX
13
Co
Photo of Ben Bumgarner
Ben Bumgarner
RRepublican
TX
63
Co
Photo of Brent Money
Brent Money
RRepublican
TX
2
Co
Photo of Briscoe Cain
Briscoe Cain
RRepublican
TX
128
Co
Photo of Carl Tepper
Carl Tepper
RRepublican
TX
84
Co
Photo of Caroline Harris Davila
Caroline Harris Davila
RRepublican
TX
52
Co
Photo of Carrie Isaac
Carrie Isaac
RRepublican
TX
73
Co
Photo of Charles Cunningham
Charles Cunningham
RRepublican
TX
127