SB2178 - Relating to a restriction on the authority of a state agency to spend appropriated money to provide financial support to certain organizations and events.

  89R16150 CS-D     By: Hagenbuch S.B. No. 2178       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a restriction on the authority of a state agency to   spend appropriated money to provide financial support to certain   organizations and events.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 2113, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 2113.108 to read as follows:           Sec.   2113.108.     FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS   AND EVENTS. (a)   Except as otherwise provided by this section, a   state agency may not spend appropriated money to:                 (1)     sponsor, partner with, donate to, or otherwise   provide financial support to a news media or nonprofit   organization; or                 (2)     sponsor or otherwise provide financial support for   a private event.           (b)     The restriction provided by Subsection (a) does not   apply to an expenditure by a state agency that is:                 (1)     specifically authorized by a provision of state   law or the state constitution; or                 (2)     reasonably related to the duties and functions of   the agency.           (c)     This section does not restrict the ability of a state   agency to use appropriated money to:                 (1)     purchase a subscription to a newspaper or other   periodical; or                 (2)     pay the costs associated with attendance at a   continuing education course by an employee of the agency if the   course is related to the employee's employment position.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.