- Lawsuit claims ‘Death Star’ bill violates state constitution
- Supporters of law say it will standardize regulations in Texas
The city of Houston said it sued the state of Texas to challenge a sweeping state law — known by opponents as the “Death Star” bill — that limits the power of municipalities to make their own rules.
Texas legislators sought to prohibit cities and counties from enforcing or creating regulations that go further than what is allowed under state laws governing labor, finance, agriculture, occupations, property and natural resources. The new law is set to take effect on Sept. 1.
But Houston claims the law violates the state constitution and could disrupt delivery of essential programs and services authorized by local ordinances, according to the lawsuit the city said it filed Monday in Travis County state court.
Bloomberg Politics
By Madlin Mekelburg
July 3, 2023