What’s going on?
SB 19 would prohibit cities from spending public funds on professional advocacy, according to a draft of the letter written by City Manager Paul Brandenburg. Additionally, the draft stated the bill would stop cities from joining nonprofit state associations or organizations that work with professional advocates.
“In our view, this will prevent local officials from being able to effectively advocate for our residents on important issues that impact their daily lives,” the draft continued.
The latest version of the bill was sent to the Texas House of Representatives from the Senate on March 20, according to the state. It reads, “A political subdivision may not spend public funds to” work with a person who must register as a lobbyist or to pay a nonprofit that “primarily represents political subdivisions,” or that works with people required to register as lobbyists.
Dig deeper
At its March 12 meeting, City Council heard a presentation from Brandenburg on sending the letter opposing SB 19 to the Texas Legislature.
He explained the city pays to be a member of the Texas Municipal League, which provides various services to the city, including help with training city staff and analyzing the thousands of bills that are filed each legislative session.
Brandenburg noted the TML has paid lobbyists.
“If SB 19 as written goes through, we would not be able to participate in TML any longer,” he said.
SB 19 was introduced by Texas Senator Mayes Middleton, according to a draft of Brandenburg’s letter of opposition.
