← Rearview Mirror
RearviewSB 19Died in House committee89th Regular Session (2025)

Cities and counties would have been barred from paying lobbyists with tax money

What it does

SB 19 would have limited how cities, counties, school districts, and other local governments use public money to hire lobbyists or pay groups that lobby the Legislature.

What it means for your community

Your city or school district could not pay outside lobbyists to speak for it in Austin. Supporters say this protects tax dollars. Local officials say it makes it harder for them to be heard.

Why it didn't pass

The Senate passed it. The House sent it to the State Affairs Committee on March 25, 2025, and it was not voted out of committee.

What to watch next session

Similar bills have been filed in past sessions. Watch whether the House committee takes it up early in the next session.

Have an opinion on SB 19?

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Read the full bill on Texas Legislature Online

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