The Texas Ethics Commission tabled a proposal Wednesday to raise lawmakers’ daily session allowance from $221 to $290.40, adding $9,716 over a 140-day session; it would also lift the lobbyist expense-disclosure threshold from $132.60 to $174.24.
Commission guidance sets the disclosure threshold at 60% of the per diem: lobbyists must identify a beneficiary when one-day spending on food, beverages, transportation or lodging for a state officer or employee exceeds the limit. The proposal would also raise the separate threshold for gifts, awards and mementos from $110 to $120. The commission gave no date for reconsidering it.
Houston attorney and former judge Charles D. Adams said he did not object to increasing lawmakers’ per diem, but questioned why it should raise the amount lobbyists can spend before disclosure. Commission guidance says registered lobbyists may provide food or beverages only when present, with limited exceptions, and sets no monetary spending limit on them. If approved, the proposed rule would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
