The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Texas Prohibits Lobbyists from Representing Both Taxing Political Subdivisions and Private Entities
Last action · August 1, 2025: FiledSponsor: Hillary Hickland
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What This Bill Proposed
Texas HB 247 prohibits registered lobbyists from representing both a taxing and any private entity or person. This restriction applies to contracts entered into on or after the effective date, which is the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.
Lobbyists who currently juggle contracts with both local governments and private clients must choose which sector to drop for new agreements.
- House Bill 247 was introduced in the 89th Texas Legislature (Called Session 1) by Representative Hickland. context
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Registered lobbyists
Lobbyists are restricted from holding simultaneous contracts with tax-imposing political subdivisions and private entities or persons.
Political subdivisions that impose a tax
These local governments must ensure their contracted representatives do not also represent private entities.
Private entities and persons
Private clients cannot share a registered lobbyist who also represents a tax-imposing political subdivision under newly formed contracts.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bill affect existing lobbyist contracts signed before the effective date?
Which political subdivisions are covered by this restriction?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · introduced in the House.
Procedural history
1 action- Aug 1, 2025HouseIntroducedFiled
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Dual Representation Ban for Lobbyists
The legislation introduces a strict barrier preventing lobbyists from acting for both taxing local governments and private parties.
Connected Entities
Sources
capitol.texas.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 60)
- Controversy45Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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