Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Texas Republicans are again seeking to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying in the 2027 legislative session.

The Texas City Management Association is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League.

Taxpayer-funded lobbying expenditures grew to as much as $111.5 million during the most recent session.

The Republican Party of Texas has championed a prohibition on taxpayer-funded lobbying as a legislative priority.

Despite strong support within the chamber, State Affairs Chairman Ken King is reportedly blocking it.

Legislation to ban the practice has been sent to the same committee that killed it earlier this year.

Taxpayer-funded lobbying has become a flashpoint in the GOP comptroller primary race.

Senate Bill 12 is designed to close loopholes and stop the flow of taxpayer funds to registered lobbyists.

The issue is one of the governor’s special session items. 

Taxpayer-funded lobbyists opposed legislative priorities such as property tax reform, school choice, and election integrity.

The governor has shown a willingness to repeatedly bring lawmakers back to Austin to complete his agenda when he feels it’s necessary

Texas lawmakers once again failed to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying, despite state taxpayers footing a $94.5 million bill for 2025.