Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.
This bill restricts Texas local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay for lobbying activities or to support organizations that lobby on their behalf. It specifically prohibits spending taxpayer money to hire a registered lobbyist or to fund nonprofit groups that primarily represent local governments and employ lobbyists. However, it allows exceptions for activities like reimbursing travel for employees who provide information to lawmakers, testify at hearings, or handle basic legislative tracking without requiring lobbyist registration. The law also enables taxpayers to sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if a local government breaks these rules.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Aug 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Aug 20, 2025
Last action Aug 20, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Aug 20, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Affairs
lower
Aug 20, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Cole Hefner
RRepublican
P
Jared Patterson
RRepublican
P
Matt Shaheen
RRepublican
P
Terry Wilson
RRepublican
P
Will Metcalf
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 229
Scope: TX
Hi! I can help you understand HB 229. 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