HB 158 Texas House · 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)

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

HB 158 prohibits cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists to influence legislation. It allows exceptions for lobbying related to military, veterans, or military service issues, and for nonprofit associations providing specific legislative services like bill tracking or testimony. The bill restricts local governments from spending taxpayer money on lobbying activities while permitting limited exceptions for certain legislative support. Taxpayers may seek court action to stop violations and recover legal fees if the restriction is breached.
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
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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
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Matt Shaheen
Matt Shaheen
RRepublican
TX
66