Houston Matters
Texas lawmakers advance a bill that limits local government. How will cities like Houston react?
Posted on · HB 2127 bars cities and counties from passing local ordinances that exceed state law in several areas.
Tag: local control
Houston Matters
It’s not just schools and elections. Flood control is another area of friction between state and local government
Posted on · A bill to take flood control authority away from Harris County may not pass, but it reflects a growing trend.
Politics
Texas Lawmakers Aim To Limit Local Governments’ Power To Sue
Posted on · If passed, the bill would allow the Texas Attorney General’s Office to block Harris County from seeking legal remedies against ITC regarding the Deer Park fire.
Texas
Red State, Blue Cities? Local Control Battles Set To Dominate Special Session
Posted on · Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and their allies are increasingly turning to “preemptive” legislation to give Texas the final say on issues ranging from school bathroom policies to tree ordinances. That’s frustrating not only big city liberals but also many small-government conservatives.
Texas
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker On The “Bathroom Bill” And Her Political Future
Posted on · Parker says she’ll continue to fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ community, among other issues, and she leaves the door open to another run for office.
Texas
Whatever Happened To The Astrodome Bill?
Posted on · SB 884 turned into a rare example of a Texas legislative battle where local control advocates won out over state authority.
Podcast
Party Politics, Texas Edition Ep. 5: Losing Control
Posted on · Are Texas cities standing in the way of state control?
Energy & Environment
Pending Texas Supreme Court Decision Could Set Precedent For Regulatory Disputes Between State, Local Governments
Posted on · A Texas town is challenging oil and gas companies that are operating in the small community.
Full Show
State Versus Local Authority: Wednesday’s show (February 25, 2015)
Posted on · Here in Texas, we're familiar with disputes between our state and the federal government over a variety of issues, from voting laws to environmental regulation to same sex marriage and beyond. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution makes it clear that federal law "shall be the supreme Law of the Land." In other words, this […]