Texas Bill Could Bar Cities, Schools from Hiring Lobbyists with Public Funds

A bill gaining momentum in the Texas Legislature could prevent local governments, including cities, counties, and school districts, from using public funds to hire contract lobbyists or pay dues to organizations that engage in lobbying. Supporters of Senate Bill 12 argue the move will ensure that taxpayers are not forced to fund advocacy efforts they may disagree with. Senator Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, who has championed similar legislation since 2019, called the practice “unethical” and emphasized that lobbying by local governments undermines the will of the voters.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Local officials, however, warn that the bill would weaken their ability to engage with the legislative process. With over 11,000 bills filed each session, they argue that contract lobbyists and policy organizations help ensure their communities are represented on issues like flood control, housing, and transit. Dallas City Council member Paula Blackmon stressed the value of technical expertise lobbyists bring to complex policy areas, while other officials pointed out that under-resourced communities especially rely on external advocacy to have a voice in Austin.

“We’re getting these folks at a discount and they’re very skilled,” she said. “I’m not a technical expert, so I am not the person to talk about water planning,” Blackmon added about how recent floods in the Hill Country have prompted cities to ask for more state support when it comes to flood control, and cities tend to rely on specialized expertise that lobbyists provide. “I’m the person that can talk about what water means to a region, what it means to our city.”

The bill would not impact private businesses or special interests, which can continue to lobby legislators freely. Critics, including SMU political scientist Cal Jillson, argue this creates an imbalance, silencing public institutions while leaving well-funded corporate voices unchecked. 

“You have the state government shouting at local governments, and you’re forbidding local governments even to whisper back,” Jillson said.

Opponents also note that while the bill targets local government associations, it exempts law enforcement lobbying groups, raising concerns about selective application. The Texas Press Association has voiced support for the bill, citing past lobbying efforts by local government groups to weaken transparency laws. 

“Our position is it’s not fair to take our tax money and to pay people to lobby and to legally campaign against your access to your government,” said Donnis Baggett, executive vice president of the Texas Press Association.