HB 167 Texas House · 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)

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

HB 167 restricts local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofits that lobby on their behalf. It prohibits spending taxpayer money to contract with registered lobbyists or support organizations representing local governments that employ lobbyists, though exceptions exist for direct communication by government employees or advocacy by elected officials. The bill allows reimbursement for travel expenses related to permitted activities and lets taxpayers sue to stop violations and recover legal fees. It directly affects how local governments allocate public funds for legislative advocacy efforts.
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
5 primary · 67 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Briscoe Cain
Briscoe Cain
RRepublican
TX
128
P
Photo of Carl Tepper
Carl Tepper
RRepublican
TX
84
P
Photo of Ellen Troxclair
Ellen Troxclair
RRepublican
TX
19
P
Photo of John McQueeney
John McQueeney
RRepublican
TX
97
P
Photo of Terri Leo-Wilson
Terri Leo-Wilson
RRepublican
TX
23
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 Brad Buckley
Brad Buckley
RRepublican
TX
54
Co
Photo of Brent Money
Brent Money
RRepublican
TX
2
Co
Photo of Brian Harrison
Brian Harrison
RRepublican
TX
10
Co
Photo of Brooks Landgraf
Brooks Landgraf
RRepublican
TX
81
Co
Photo of Candy Noble
Candy Noble
RRepublican
TX
89
Co
Photo of Caroline Harris Davila
Caroline Harris Davila
RRepublican
TX
52
Co
Photo of Carrie Isaac
Carrie Isaac
RRepublican
TX
73