The judge stops Texas State Repaublican lawmaker’s effort to cancel out Democrats
powers on the local level in cities ….
Texas state judge has shot down an expansive new law that would override cities’ authority to make their own laws, declaring it unconstitutional Wednesday.
House Bill 2127, which opponents have dubbed the “Death Star Bill,” would prevent cities from passing and enforcing local rules in several major policy areas without state authorization. That includes matters such as minimum wages and worker protections.
The measure was set to take effect Friday. The cities of Houston, San Antonio and El Paso challenged the law, saying it was far too vague and broad.
They also claimed it violated the state constitution, which grants “the full power of self-government” to cities.
“The Court declares House Bill 2127 in its entirety is unconstitutional — facially, and as applied to Houston as a constitutional home rule city,” State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble wrote in her ruling.
The ruling was celebrated by the cities and Democratic advocates, who have argued the law is intended to shut down progressive policies…..