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Liberty Hill council votes to send opposition letter to Senate Bill 19 over lobbying limits
Summary
Council approved a letter opposing Senate Bill 19, saying the bill’s restrictions on use of public funds for lobbying could prevent the city from participating in Texas Municipal League services that include legislative tracking and advocacy support.
The City Council voted unanimously March 12 to approve a letter opposing Senate Bill 19, legislation that would restrict political subdivisions’ use of public funds for lobbying and related activities.
City Manager Paul Brandenburg told the council that the city relies on membership services from the Texas Municipal League (TML), including legislative tracking and training, and that the bill as written could bar participation in organizations that employ paid lobbyists. “If SB 19 as written goes through, we'd not be able to participate in TML any longer,” Brandenburg said.
Council voted to authorize the city manager to make necessary corrections and send the letter to the appropriate state officials as the bill progresses. The motion carried 5-0.
Why it matters: Councilmembers said small, fast‑growing cities depend on association services such as legislative monitoring and training because local staff cannot track thousands of bills during the legislative session. Staff told the council that similar letters are being circulated by other municipalities.
Next steps: The city manager will finalize and transmit the letter and advised councilmembers they may send individual comments as private citizens.
