In a move that could reshape how local governments interact with state lawmakers, the Texas Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would prohibit cities, counties, and school districts from using taxpayer money to hire lobbyists. The bill, Senate Bill 12, passed along party lines, with Republicans in support and Democrats unanimously opposed.
Despite strong bipartisan support among Texas voters—86% of Republicans and 80% of Democrats favor a ban, according to a University of Houston poll—Democratic lawmakers argued the bill would strip smaller communities of an essential tool to represent their interests at the Capitol.
The Core of the Legislation
SB 12, introduced by Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), would bar political subdivisions such as municipalities, school districts, and utility districts from contracting with or paying registered lobbyists. It also prohibits payments to nonprofit associations—like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the Texas Municipal League (TML)—if those groups, in turn, hire lobbyists.
“This bill grows the voice of our constituents,” Middleton said. “Money from the pockets of our taxpayers will no longer be taken by force and used to pay for lobbyists that undermine their interest.”
While the bill restricts paid lobbying, it does allow full-time staff at such associations to provide legislative information, like bill tracking and analysis, and to testify on legislation, as long as their work doesn’t qualify them as lobbyists under state law.
Democratic Pushback
Democrats objected to the measure, calling it shortsighted and harmful to local communities, especially rural and disaster-stricken areas.
Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) pointed to the recent Central Texas floods that claimed 137 lives as a case where local governments relied on associations like the Texas Association of Counties and TML to get quick, expert information. She questioned whether Middleton had consulted these groups when crafting policy responses to the tragedy.
“This is not right to pull these victims’ families into this,” Middleton responded, rejecting her implication. “I resent the fact that you’ve done this today.”
Eckhardt and other Democrats argued the ban would silence local voices that lack the resources to hire full-time, in-house government relations staff—particularly rural communities that can’t match the capacity of larger cities.
Unequal Application?
Another point of contention: the bill exempts certain groups from the ban. Associations funded through member dues—like those for police officers, sheriffs, and teachers—can continue hiring lobbyists. Charter schools, which Democrats noted are publicly funded, are also not covered by the bill.
Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas), who is also running for attorney general in 2026 against Middleton, criticized the bill for what he described as a double standard.
“Why do you want to put rural — small Texas rural towns at a disadvantage when it comes to the Legislature?” Johnson asked.
Middleton pushed back, saying the bill actually levels the playing field by cutting off “multi-million-dollar fat-cat lobbyists” hired by large cities and counties that drown out the voices of smaller communities.
Where the Public Stands
Though the Senate vote split strictly along party lines, public opinion appears overwhelmingly in favor of the ban. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick highlighted the polling numbers in his praise of the Senate’s action.
“Texans do not want their hard-earned money to be funneled into lobbyists’ pockets, who normally live outside their communities and do not advocate for their values,” Patrick said. “Texans expect their elected officials to advocate on their behalf, not outsource their voice to special interests who subvert them.”
Still, critics warn the bill could have unintended consequences. By eliminating a widely used method of communication between local governments and lawmakers, opponents say SB 12 could leave communities unprepared to respond to future crises or legislative changes.
What’s Next
SB 12 now heads to the Texas House, where similar bills have been filed by several Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Terri Leo Wilson (R-Galveston) and Ellen Troxclair (R-Lakeway). However, none of those bills have yet been assigned to a committee—a necessary step before a vote.
Whether SB 12 becomes law this session remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: while the public may agree on banning taxpayer-funded lobbying, lawmakers remain deeply divided on how to get it done—and who stands to gain or lose.
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