Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.
HB 4860 restricts local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that represent local governments if those associations hire lobbyists. The bill prohibits spending taxpayer money for activities such as lobbying the legislature or contracting with registered lobbyists, but allows exceptions for employees providing information, advocating as elected officials, or reimbursing travel for permitted activities. It also permits nonprofits representing local governments to provide bill tracking, analysis, and testimony without registration. Violations can be challenged by taxpayers through court action, with successful plaintiffs recovering attorney fees. The law directly affects how local governments fund legislative advocacy efforts.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Apr 3, 2025
Last action Apr 3, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Apr 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Affairs
lower
Apr 3, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
2 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jared Patterson
RRepublican
P
Will Metcalf
RRepublican
Co
Keresa Richardson
RRepublican
Co
Lacey Hull
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 4860
Scope: TX
Hi! I can help you understand HB 4860. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline