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Bill

HB 919

Relating to the offense of unlawful use of public funds for communications relating to a measure.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brian Harrison

HB 919 criminalizes government use of public funds for communications about ballot measures, aiming to prevent taxpayer-financed political advocacy on voter propositions.

Referred to State Affairs
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Bill Summary · HB 919

Legislative bill overview

HB 919 creates a criminal offense for the unlawful use of public funds to finance communications that relate to a ballot measure or political proposition. The bill appears designed to prevent government agencies and officials from using taxpayer money to advocate for or against measures that voters will decide, establishing what would essentially be restrictions on "issue advocacy" spending by public entities.

Why is this important

Public funds used for political communications raise fundamental questions about government neutrality and taxpayer rights. Citizens may object to their tax dollars financing advocacy for positions they oppose. However, government agencies sometimes need to communicate factual information about measures affecting their operations, creating a gray area between legitimate public information and prohibited advocacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "communications relating to a measure" could be unclear—factual explanations of a proposition's effects might be difficult to distinguish from advocacy for or against it.
  • Government communication needs: Agencies may struggle to inform the public about ballot measures directly affecting their budgets, operations, or services without potentially violating the law.
  • Enforcement and prosecution: Determining intent and distinguishing between prohibited political spending and protected informational speech could create litigation challenges and selective enforcement concerns.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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