Big Government Index Status of bills attacking local control
Updated June 1, 2015
There will be no vote taken in the Texas Legislature on “local control.” But votes will be taken on dozens of bills that would chip away, issue by issue, at the ability of communities to solve their own problems in their own way.
Each week, TML will update the status of these big government bills that would consolidate power at the state level and overrule local decision making.
Limits city regulation of oil and gas drilling.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1165 |
Authors | Fraser | Campbell | Eltife | Lucio | Seliger |
Committee | Energy Resources |
Status | May 4, 2015 S HB 40 was laid out in lieu of SB 1165. |
Cities can’t regulate the temperature of raw milk products.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 91 |
Authors | Flynn | Rodriguez, Eddie | White, James | King, Susan |
Committee | Public Health |
Status | May 25, 2015 Left pending in Senate committee |
Cities can’t adopt any regulation that would interfere with the right to produce agricultural products.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 132 |
Authors | Flynn | White, James |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | February 12, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t use cameras for traffic light enforcement.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 142 |
Author | Stickland |
Committee | Transportation |
Status | April 30, 2015 H Pending in committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3817 |
Author | Elkins |
Committee | Transportation |
Status | March 23, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1340 |
Author | Huffines | Bettencourt | Birdwell | Burton | Campbell Creighton | Estes | Hall | Kolkhorst | Lucio | Nelson Perry | Taylor, Larry | Urest |
Committee | Transportation |
Status | March 27, 2015 S Removed from hearing on April 1, 2015 |
Limits what a police officer can do when inquiring about nationality or immigration status.
Detail
| Status |
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Bill | HB 154 |
Author | Johnson |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | February 9, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 160 |
Author | Rodriguez |
Committee | Veteran Affairs and Military Installations |
Status | January 27, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Any officer attempting to enforce certain federal laws commits a crime punishable by fine and jail time.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 165 |
Author | Larson |
Committee | Select on State and Federal Power Responsibility |
Status | May 8, 2015 H Sent to the Calendars Committee |
Cities can’t adopt regulations on electric stun guns, knives or personal defense sprays.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 172 |
Authors | Stickland | Rinaldi |
Committee | Homeland Security and Public Safety |
Status | March 24, 2015 H Left pending in committee |
Cities can’t adopt regulations prohibiting the refusal to lease property because of source of income.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 738 |
Author | Larson |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | February 26, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 2909 |
Authors | Springer | Burkett | Larson |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | May 12, 2015 H Set on Calendar |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 267 |
Authors | Perry | Hall | Huffines |
Committee | Business and Commerce |
Status | May 30, 2015 Sent to the Governor |
Cities can’t prohibit use of propane tanks on residential property.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 748 |
Author | Isaac |
Committee | Business and Industry |
Status | May 14, 2015 H Set on Calendar |
Cities can’t adopt regulations related to knives.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 905 |
Author | Frullo |
Committee | Homeland Security and Public Safety |
Status | May 29, 2015 Sent to Governor |
Cities can’t prohibit open carry of guns on city-owned or city-leased property.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 17 |
Author | Estes |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | May 5, 2015 H Referred to House Committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 346 |
Author | Estes |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | February 9, 2015 S Removed from committee hearing |
Cities can’t use cameras for traffic light enforcement.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1131 |
Authors | Elkins | Herrero |
Committee | Transportation |
Status | April 30, 2015 H Left pending in committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 340 |
Author | Huffines |
Committee | Transportation |
Status | February 2, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t hire lobbyists.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1257 |
Author | Shaheen |
Committee | General Investigating and Ethics |
Status | April 9, 2015 H Left pending in committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1862 |
Author | Burton |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | May 4, 2015 S Left pending in committee |
Cities can’t enforce certain ordinances on tree removal.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1442 |
Author | Workman |
Committee | Business and Industry |
Status | April 28, 2015 H Left pending in committee |
Cities can’t adopt ordinances that create a protected class or prohibit discrimination on a basis not contained in state laws.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1556 |
Author | Miller |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | March 9, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t enforce any federal law that the Legislature finds is in violation of the state constitution.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1751 |
Author | Simpson |
Committee | State and Federal Power Responsibility |
Status | April 30, 2015 H Left pending in committee |
Cities must regulate short-term rental units like commercial lodging establishments.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1792 |
Author | Springer |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | May 5, 2015 H Sent to Calendars Committee |
Cities can’t prohibit any practice that is not unlawful under state law.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1911 |
Authors | Leach | Smithee | Shaheen | White, James | Laubenberg |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | March 11, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t adopt plastic bag ordinances.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1939 |
Author | Rinaldi | Springer |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | March 16, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1550 |
Author | Hall |
Committee | Business and Commerce |
Status | March 23, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Officers can’t take DNA, skin samples, blood samples, etc. unless there is specific, explicit state statutory authority or the person gives written consent.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1983 |
Author | Laubenberg |
Committee | Government Transparency and Operation |
Status | April 8, 2015 H Not heard in committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 628 |
Author | Taylor, Van |
Committee | Business and Commerce |
Status | February 23, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t put “duty to defend” in a contract with architects and engineers if there is indemnification.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 2049 |
Author | Darby |
Committee | Licensing and Administrative Procedures |
Status | May 27, 2015 Sent to the Governor |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 799 |
Author | Eltife |
Committee | Government Transparency and Operation |
Status | April 14, 2015 S Left pending in committee |
Police officer commits a crime if officer seizes a firearm under federal laws if there is no state law allowing it, with certain exceptions.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 2269 |
Author | Metcalf |
Committee | Homeland Security and Public Safety |
Status | May 14, 2015 H Set on Calendar |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 229 |
Author | Creighton |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | January 28, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Railroad Commission can prevent a city from enforcing an ordinance that conflicts with commission regulations.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 2855 |
Authors | Darby | Paddie | Dale |
Committee | Energy Resources |
Status | March 16, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Constitutional amendment - cities can’t burden in any way the exercise of religion unless there is a compelling governmental interest and it is the least restrictive means.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HJR 55 |
Author | Villalba |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 3, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HJR 125 |
Author | Krause |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 23, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SJR 10 |
Authors | Campbell | Perry | Taylor, Van |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | February 2, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t adopt a policy, rule or order that prohibits the enforcement of state or federal laws related to immigration.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 185 |
Author | Perry |
Committee | Border Security |
Status | May 22, 2015 S Placed on Senate Calendar |
Cities can’t prohibit, require, discourage or encourage a bidder on a public project from entering into or adhering to a collective bargaining agreement.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 303 |
Author | Hancock |
Committee | Business and Commerce |
Status | February 2, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 996 |
Author | Parker, Tan |
Committee | Economic and Small Business Development |
Status | May 11, 2015 S Referred to Senate Committee |
Cities can’t adopt any regulations that aren’t expressly authorized by state law.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 343 |
Author | Huffines |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | February 2, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t enforce any federal firearms laws that are not also state laws.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 438 |
Authors | Hall | Kolkhorst | Perry | Estes |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | February 9, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t prohibit fracking.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 440 |
Author | Burton |
Committee | Natural Resource and Economic Development |
Status | February 9, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 720 |
Author | Burton |
Committee | Natural Resources and Economic Development |
Status | March 2, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t enter into agreements, contracts, accept money from or grant money to any organization accredited by the United Nations to implement policy that originated in Agenda 21.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 445 |
Author | Hall |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | February 9, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 1654 |
Author | Huffines |
Committee | International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs |
Status | March 9, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Police officers can’t use stun guns or tasers to subdue students at school or school activities unless the student has a weapon.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 625 |
Author | Hinojosa |
Committee | Education |
Status | April 30, 2015 S Left pending in committee |
Cities can’t use cameras for traffic light enforcement.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 714 |
Author | Hall |
Committee | Transportation |
Status | May 22, 2015 H Vote failed in committee |
Cities can't enforce ordinances that conflict with or is inconsistent with requirements specified by TCEQ.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1288 |
Author | Estes |
Committee | Natural Resources and Economic Development |
Status | March 18, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can't enforce a smoking ordinance on a business that gets 20% of its revenue from cigars or tobacco.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1537 |
Author | Burton |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 23, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t adopt licensing that is more stringent or inconsistent with state law.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1673 |
Author | Huffines |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 23, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can’t prohibit first responders from carrying concealed handgun while on duty.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1684 |
Author | Huffines |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 25, 2015 S Placed on Calendar |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3496 |
Author | Schofield |
Committee | Homeland Security and Public Safety |
Status | March 18, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can't regulate small honey production operations.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1766 |
Author | Creighton |
Committee | Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs |
Status | May 29, 2015 Signed by the Governor |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3764 |
Author | Metcalf |
Committee | Agriculture and Livestock |
Status | April 22, 2015 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
Cities can’t take adverse action against a person based on that person’s sincerely held religious belief that marriage is between one man and one woman.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1799 |
Author | Taylor, Larry |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 24, 2015 S Introduced and referred to committee |
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3602 |
Authors | Bell | Springer |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 23, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can't enforce ordinances and charter provisions that conflict with state law.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | SB 1806 |
Author | Estes |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | April 30, 2015 S Left pending in committee |
Cities can't enforce any regulation relating to any aspect, facility or phase of the pipeline industry.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3044 |
Author | Dale |
Committee | Energy Resources |
Status | March 23, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can't regulate anything within jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3217 |
Author | Dale |
Committee | Energy Resources |
Status | March 23, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can't regulate business activities of a state license without express authority under state law.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3263 |
Author | Guillen |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | April 21, 2015 H Left pending in committee |
Preempts cities from adopting construction standards for RV parks and campgrounds.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3266 |
Author | Guillen |
Committee | Culture, Recreation and Tourism |
Status | May 6, 2015 H Sent to Calendars Committee |
Cities can’t penalized or withhold benefits including tax exemptions, government contracts, grants or licenses from organizations or people because they have religious belief that a marriage is between one man and one woman.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3567 |
Authors | Sanford | Krause | Miller, Rick | Keough | Riddle |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | May 14, 2015 H Set on House Calendar |
Cities can't require licensing for occupations unless expressly authorized by state.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3713 |
Author | Schaefer |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | March 24, 2015 H Introduced and referred committee |
Cities can’t prohibit gun shows in facilities owned by them.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3866 |
Author | Isaac |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | May 12, 2015 H Withdrawn from Local Calendar |
Cities can’t provide water or electric service to a federal data collection and surveillance agency.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 3916 |
Author | Stickland |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 23, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cities can't regulate firearms.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 4061 |
Author | White, James |
Committee | Homeland Security and Public Safety |
Status | April 20, 2015 H Reported favorably from committee |
Cities can't adopt ordinances, rules and regulations of a city relating to employment.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 4070 |
Author | Shaheen |
Committee | Urban Affairs |
Status | March 25, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Cites can’t adopt rule, order or policy that prohibits enforcement on federal immigration law.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 4117 |
Author | Fallon |
Committee | State Affairs |
Status | March 23, 2015 H Introduced and referred to committee |
Relates to city regulation of oil and gas drilling, and represents a compromise agreement.
Detail | Status |
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Bill | HB 40 |
Author | Darby | Keffer | King, Phil | Thompson, Senfronia | Oliveira |
Committee | Energy Resources |
Status | May 18, 2015 Signed by Governor with immediate effective date |