Advocates for ending taxpayer-funded lobbying showed up to the state capitol this week, as legislation to ban the practice was heard in a Senate committee.
Senate Bill 19 seeks to put an end to taxpayer-funded lobbying by prohibiting political subdivisions from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists. Filed by State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R–Galveston), the bill would also extend the ban to nonprofit organizations that primarily represent cities, counties, and school districts.
Banning taxpayer-funded lobbying is a legislative priority of the Republican Party of Texas, and at Thursday’s State Affairs Committee hearing, Middleton emphasized that similar measures have passed the Senate three times before.
Michelle Evans, political director for Texans for Vaccine Choice, pointed to the Immunization Partnership as an example of how public funds are being used to advance private interests under the guise of public health initiatives.
“In reality, they are a taxpayer-funded lobbying group that interferes in relationships between patients and healthcare professionals,” Evans testified. She argued that such organizations use public funds to push vaccine mandates that benefit pharmaceutical companies rather than prioritizing informed consent.
Julie Pickren, a member of the State Board of Education, took aim at the Texas Association of School Boards, accusing taxpayer-funded lobbyists of undermining parental rights.
“Taxpayer-funded lobbyists use public education funds to support policies that do not align with the values of the taxpayers,” Pickren said. She cited instances where such lobbyists worked against school choice initiatives and curriculum transparency measures. She also criticized them for opposing efforts to remove sexually explicit materials from schools, supporting gender mutilation procedures for minors, and backing policies allowing biological males in girls’ restrooms and locker rooms.
Abraham George, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, underscored the misuse of taxpayer funds to silence citizens.
“This is a direct misuse of public funds against the very people funding them,” George said. He pointed to reports showing that Texas cities, counties, and other government entities spend between $90 to $100 million annually on lobbying efforts.
“These funds should be going to essential services like public safety and education, not to high-powered lobbyists in Austin who work against the will of the people,” he added.
Bill Peacock, representing Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, highlighted how taxpayer-funded lobbying undermines property tax relief efforts. He noted that despite legislative attempts to curb rising property taxes, lobbying efforts by local governments have watered down these measures.
“History has shown us that property tax relief efforts will always fail as long as local governments can use taxpayer money to hire lobbyists to fight against them,” Peacock said.
While supporters framed the bill as a necessary measure to prevent government-funded advocacy against taxpayers’ interests, some opponents argued that it would leave local governments without a voice in the legislative process.
David Stout, an El Paso County Commissioner, testified against the bill, saying professional lobbyists were important in helping local governments navigate complex legislative issues. “I worked in the Legislature before becoming a commissioner, and I still depend on our contracted legislative experts to understand the constantly changing process and advocate for our communities,” Stout said. He argued that smaller communities, especially those far from Austin, rely on professional representation to ensure their concerns are heard at the Capitol.
The bill was left pending in committee. While measures to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying have passed the Senate multiple times, similar measures have never cleared the House.
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