In Texas politics, few issues are as universally frustrating and deeply rooted as taxpayer-funded lobbying. Now, with Governor Greg Abbott’s special legislative session underway, lawmakers are taking another shot at banning the practice once and for all with Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) — a measure that could finally change how cities, counties, and school districts use your tax dollars in the halls of the Capitol.
But what is taxpayer-funded lobbying, why is it controversial, and what would this bill actually do? Let’s break it down.
What Is Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying, Really?
At its core, taxpayer-funded lobbying refers to public entities like school districts, city governments, and county agencies using public money to hire professional lobbyists. These lobbyists then go to Austin and try to influence legislation — often in ways that prioritize government interests over taxpayer priorities.
Here’s the problem: when these entities pay dues to organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) or the Texas Municipal League (TML), those associations use the money (which ultimately comes from taxpayers) to lobby the state legislature. These associations can oppose legislation that the public may support — for example:
Property tax caps
Parental school choice
Election integrity reforms
Protections for women’s privacy and safety
In some cases, lobbying dollars have been used to advocate for policies many Texans see as controversial, such as:
DEI mandates (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Gun control legislation
Climate change restrictions
Ranked-choice voting systems
You, the taxpayer, are footing the bill — even if you disagree with the positions being lobbied for.
The Scope of the Problem
The financial scale is staggering. According to James Quintero of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, local governments in Texas spent nearly $98.6 million on contract lobbying in 2023 alone. That’s just for contracts — not including staff who lobby part-time or full-time as part of their jobs.
And the lack of transparency is just as alarming.
“Once the government hands over a check to a lobbyist and tells them to go engage with the legislature, taxpayers have no way whatsoever to understand how that lobbyist is utilizing their money,” Quintero said. “That is where impropriety could arise.”
What SB 12 Actually Does
SB 12 seeks to end this practice. Here's what it includes:
Bans cities, counties, and traditional school districts from using public money to hire registered lobbyists
Prohibits public funds from going to associations (like TASB or TML) that use lobbyists
Allows associations to provide basic legislative services (bill tracking, analysis, testimony) but not active lobbying
Exempts associations made up solely of elected law enforcement officials (like sheriffs)
Requires approval from commissioners courts for counties to join nonprofit associations
Provides a civil cause of action so Texans can sue over violations and recover legal costs if successful
Support for the Bill: A Matter of Principle and Ethics
Proponents argue that the bill is a matter of fairness and accountability.
“Local Governments should not use the people's money to hire professional lobbyists to, in turn, lobby other governments. This is an unethical and immoral practice that must end,” said Andrew McVeigh of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility.
In short, it's a closed loop of government lobbying government — with the average taxpayer completely shut out.
There’s also strong voter support:
95% of Republican primary voters support the ban
67% of general election voters agree
This isn't just a niche political issue — it’s something that crosses partisan lines and strikes at the core of how government should operate.
Opposition: Concerns About Representation and Logistics
Opponents, mostly from the left and local government associations, argue that SB 12 would hamstring rural and small-town governments, which rely on shared resources and lobbyists to represent their interests in Austin.
Luis Figueroa of the progressive think tank Every Texan warned that the bill could leave remote areas “without a voice,” since travel costs and limited staff make it difficult for local officials to appear in person during the legislative session.
School board members, including Claudia Yanez from Pflugerville ISD, also fear that severing ties with TASB could mean losing valuable services and representation.
But critics of that argument say this misses the point: government can and should communicate with lawmakers — they just shouldn't pay lobbyists with public money to do it.
The Power Players: TASB and TML
Much of the lobbying firepower in Texas comes from two groups: TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) and TML (Texas Municipal League).
TASB isn’t just an educational resource — it runs a lucrative purchasing cooperative that made over $4 million last year. Critics say it holds outsized influence over school board policy and litigation support and has become too political.
TML, while quieter, has also been accused of advising cities on how to avoid open records requests and even influencing personnel decisions in some municipalities.
Lawmakers have grown increasingly skeptical of these groups — and so have many Texans.
A Loophole That Needs Closing
Even if SB 12 passes, there's concern about loopholes. For example, lobbyists currently under contract could be rebranded as full-time employees for associations, allowing them to continue their work under a different title.
To prevent that, policy experts suggest requiring associations funded by public money to comply with the Texas Public Information Act, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A Fair Playing Field for All
It’s also important to note that public charter schools are already banned from using public funds to hire lobbyists — they must use private donations if they want to engage in advocacy. So why should school districts funded by local tax dollars be allowed to use public money to lobby for or against legislation?
The current system gives certain taxpayer-funded entities a lobbying advantage, tilting the scales unfairly in policy battles.
Conclusion: Common Sense Must Win
Taxpayer-funded lobbying is an issue that combines the worst of politics: waste, secrecy, and misplaced priorities. While SB 12 may not be perfect, it’s a significant step in the right direction. Texans deserve a government that spends money on services, not political maneuvering.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about silencing local voices. It’s about ensuring those voices are genuine, direct, and transparent, not filtered through high-paid lobbyists with murky agendas.
No Texan should be forced to pay for lobbying that works against their values, their interests, or their community.
