SB 13

There are concerns that the use of public funds by political subdivisions for lobbying activities is an improper use of taxpayer funds and that there is a general lack of transparency regarding public spending on lobbying activities. S.B. 13 seeks to address these concerns by prohibiting the use of public funds by political subdivisions for hiring or contracting with a person required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code. Additionally, S.B. 13 prohibits the use of public funds to pay dues or fees to a non-profit statewide association that primarily represents political subdivisions and hires or contracts with a person required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code. As proposed, S.B. 13 amends current law relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.