PAAT: New Event + Legislative Update

PAAT EVENTS + LEG REPORT

SPECIAL SESSION MEDIA DISCUSSION

Wednesday, September 3 - 3:00 pm

Via Webinar (link will be sent before the event)

Free for PAAT Members - $50 for Non-Members

We’re once again bringing together seasoned veterans of the Texas political press to break down the Special Sessions and explore what’s next. This timely discussion will examine the latest legislative developments, shifting political dynamics, and key issues shaping the government affairs landscape. Don’t miss the chance to hear expert insights and ask your questions as we look at what has unfolded / continues to unfold in Austin—and what it could mean for the months ahead.

BILLS OF INTEREST — SPECIAL SESSION #2

As in the first Special Session, legislators have again filed bills seeking to prohibit cities, counties, school districts, and other local governments from using public funds to hire lobbyists or join associations that advocate on their behalf. As we have discussed, PAAT strongly opposes these measures, emphasizing that political subdivisions—just like private businesses and individuals—must be able to access professional expertise, whether accountants, lawyers, engineers, or registered lobbyists. We believe full disclosure and compliance with the Lobby Law provide stronger protections for the public than blanket restrictions on hiring advocates. Related bills include the following.

SB 13	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.	Middleton	8/20 HSTATE
HB 76	Relating to prohibiting certain criteria in a local governmental agency contractor selection process.	Bell C	Filed 8/15
HB 81	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.	Cain B	8/18 HSTATE
HB 96	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.	Slawson S	8/18 HSTATE
HB 110	Relating to a prohibition on the receipt of bond proceeds by persons who make a contribution to certain political committees.	Harrison B	Filed 8/15
HB 115	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.	Leo-Wilson	8/18 HSTATE
HB 158	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.	Shaheen M	8/18 HSTATE
HB 167	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.	Troxclair	8/18 HSTATE
HB 173	Relating to the use by a school district or a school district employee of public funds for lobbying activities.	Hickland H	8/18 HSTATE
HB 174	Relating to the prohibition of lobbyist representation of both political subdivisions and private entities.	Hickland H	8/20 HSTATE
HB 185	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.	Money B	8/20 HSTATE
HB 186	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.	Olcott M	8/20 HSTATE
HB 228	Relating to expenditures for lobbying activities made by certain entities.	Dyson P	8/20 HSTATE
HB 229	Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying and certain other activities.	Patterson	8/20 HSTATE
HB 264	Relating to a prohibition on the receipt of certain state funds by a registered lobbyist.	Curry P	Filed 8/20

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