Legislation filed by State Sen. Van Taylor of Plano is designed to discourage legislators from monetizing public service.
Calling SB 555 the “Serve the People, Not the Lobby Act,” Taylor’s legislation would prohibit a registered lobbyist from being eligible to be a candidate for elective office. The bill also works to prohibit an elected official from lobbying.
Taylor said his goal is to alleviate conflicts of interest, so legislators would be representing their constituents instead of special interests.
“Our democracy is founded on the belief that politicians are elected by the people to serve as their voice in government and represent their interests,” said Taylor. “Being paid to lobby for any interest other than the people who entrust you with this honor clearly contradicts this fundamental premise.”
