86R1987 JG-D
 
  By: Hall S.B. No. 82
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to expenditures for lobbying activities made by a
  recipient of state funds.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 556.0055, Government
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 556.0055.  [RESTRICTIONS ON] LOBBYING EXPENDITURES BY
  RECIPIENT OF STATE FUNDS PROHIBITED.
         SECTION 2.  Section 556.0055(a), Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (a)  A political subdivision or private entity that receives
  state funds may not [use the funds to] pay:
               (1)  lobbying expenses incurred by the recipient of the
  funds;
               (2)  a person or entity that is required to register
  with the Texas Ethics Commission under Chapter 305;
               (3)  any partner, employee, employer, relative,
  contractor, consultant, or related entity of a person or entity
  described by Subdivision (2); or
               (4)  a person or entity that has been hired to represent
  associations or other entities for the purpose of affecting the
  outcome of legislation, agency rules, ordinances, or other
  government policies.
         SECTION 3.  Section 556.0055(a), Government Code, as amended
  by this Act, applies to an expenditure made on or after the
  effective date of this Act. An expenditure made before the
  effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect
  immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is
  continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.