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SB 1845

Relating to the registration as a lobbyist of persons who engage in certain lobbying activities on behalf of a foreign adversary and to prohibitions on the receipt of compensation related to those lobbying activities; providing a civil penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Donna Campbell and 1 co-sponsor

Requires foreign adversary lobbyists to register with Texas and bars them from receiving compensation, with civil penalties for violations.

Not again placed on intent calendar
#aliens(i0032) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #ethics(i0345) #internationalrelations(s0038) #intergovernmentalrelations(i0447) #lobbyists&lobbying(s3141)
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Bill Summary · SB 1845

Legislative bill overview

SB 1845 requires persons lobbying on behalf of foreign adversaries to register as lobbyists and prohibits them from receiving compensation for such activities. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of these registration and compensation restrictions.

Why is this important

Foreign influence in state legislative processes raises national security and democratic integrity concerns. This bill attempts to create transparency and enforcement mechanisms to limit financial incentives for lobbying activities that serve hostile foreign governments' interests in Texas policy-making.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill's definition of "foreign adversary" may be vague or contentious—determining which nations qualify could involve subjective political judgment or create unintended consequences
  • First Amendment concerns: Restricting compensation for speech activities (lobbying) on behalf of certain foreign entities may face constitutional challenges regarding free speech and association rights
  • Enforcement complexity: Proving that lobbying activities are done "on behalf of" a foreign adversary versus independent advocacy aligned with those interests could be difficult to establish in civil proceedings
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether the bill covers indirect lobbying, consulting, or only direct legislative advocacy, potentially creating loopholes or over-breadth

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

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