Senate advances bill barring political subdivisions from using public funds to hire lobbyists

The Senate voted to advance Senate Bill 12 to engrossment after extended debate over whether political subdivisions — counties, cities, school districts and similar taxing entities — may use public money to hire registered lobbyists.

Senator Middleton, the bill’s author, framed the measure as a taxpayer‑protection effort, saying “taxpayer funded lobbying is the USAID on the state level. This is funding the deep state, plain and simple.” He said the bill would prevent political subdivisions from using public funds to contract with persons required to register under Chapter 305 of the Texas Government Code or to pay associations that primarily represent political subdivisions to hire registered lobbyists.

Middleton said the bill preserves the ability of local elected officials and their staff to communicate directly with legislators…