Title: LOBBYING IN TEXAS
Headings: Resources
Resources
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
LOBBYING IN TEXAS
Revised October 1, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE LOBBY LAW
DETERMINING WHETHER LOBBY REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
REGISTERING AS A LOBBYIST
LOBBY ACTIVITY REPORT
TERMINATION OF LOBBY REGISTRATION
PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
PENALTIES
LOBBYIST INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
THE LOBBY LAW
NEW LEGISLATION IN 2019
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS LOBBYING?
DIRECT COMMUNICATION
MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE OR EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT
COMMUNICATING TO INFLUENCE LEGISLATION OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
DETERMINING WHETHER LOBBY REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT THRESHOLD
EXPENDITURE THRESHOLD
What Is Not Counted as a Lobby Expenditure?
ENTITY REGISTRATION
COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF POLITICAL PARTY
STATE AGENCY AS A CLIENT.
EXCEPTIONS FROM REQUIRED REGISTRATION
REGISTERING AS A LOBBYIST
REGISTRATION FEE
TIME OF FILING
REPORTING EMPLOYERS AND CLIENTS
REPORTING COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR LOBBYING ACTIVITY
REPORTING COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT FROM POLITICAL FUNDS
REPORTING LOBBYING SUBJECT MATTER
REPORTING ASSISTANTS
MONTHLY VS. ANNUAL FILING
UPDATES TO REGISTRATION
LOBBY ACTIVITIES REPORT
REPORTING LOBBY EXPENDITURES BY CATEGORY
TERMINATION OF LOBBY REGISTRATION
PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
RESTRICTIONS ON EXPENDITURES
RESTRICTIONS INVOLVING POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
PENALTIES
CRIMINAL PENALTIES
SWORN COMPLAINTS
LATE FINES FOR REPORTS
LOBBYIST INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC

Content: Direct communication" includes contact in person or by telephone, telegraph, or letter. The communication must be directed to a member of the legislative or executive branch of state government. For example, if an organization publishes a newsletter for its members, the individuals writing the newsletter are not "communicating directly" with members of the legislature, even if a legislator may read the newsletter. See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 85 (1992). MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE OR EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT
The lobby law regulates direct communications to "members of the legislative or executive branch" of state government. This guide uses the term "state officer or employee" as a shorthand term to refer to a member of the executive or legislative branch of state government. You should remember, though, that the term does not include an officer or employee of the judicial branch. Member of the Legislative Branch. A "member of the legislative branch" of state government includes a member, member-elect, candidate for, or officer of the legislature or of a legislative committee.