Member-only story

POLITICS

Texas Wants to Pass a Law Preventing Cities From Governing Themselves

They are trying to enshrine state pre-emption into law

Caren White

--

Photo by Matt Wang on Unsplash

Texas is at it again. Because it’s always Texas. There is legislation sitting on Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk waiting for his John Hancock.

Legislation that will override the will (and the votes) of millions of Texans.

See, Texas has a little problem. It’s a deep, deep red, almost maroon, state. Outside of the urban areas. In the cities … well, you might just think that you are in a blue state.

Believe it or not, cities in Texas have passed laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees, requiring water breaks for laborers working in the Texas heat, and restricting inadequate waste storage.

Oh, the horror!

This is Texas. Where unsafe public festivals and predatory pay-day lending are not just allowed but encouraged.

So, the state legislature has passed a bill that prohibits any city from passing any ordinance or regulation that conflicts with state laws.

And … this being Texas, lover of bounties … allows private citizens and businesses to sue and collect damages if they believe that a city ordinance or regulation…

--

--

Caren White
Caren White

Written by Caren White

Just an old woman ranting on the internet. I always speak my mind.

Responses (4)