TX SB19

Prohibits political subdivisions from using public funds to hire or contract with registered lobbyists to lobby state legislators, or to pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and employ registered lobbyists

Exempts associations that solely represent elected sheriffs from the lobbying restrictions

Allows elected officials and employees of political subdivisions to personally provide information to legislators, appear before legislative committees, and advocate on legislation without triggering the prohibition, as long as their activities don't require lobbyist registration

Permits political subdivisions to reimburse officers and full-time employees for direct travel expenses related to permitted legislative activities

Grants taxpayers and residents the right to seek injunctive relief against political subdivisions that violate these restrictions, with prevailing plaintiffs entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs

Takes effect September 1, 2025, applying to expenditures made on or after that date, including payments under pre-existing contracts (which become void to the extent they violate the new law)