San Antonio – The City of San Antonio has filed a lawsuit against the State of Texas over a newly passed law that critics say would sharply curtail the ability of cities and counties to pass local regulations.
According to a news release, the city’s lawsuit challenges the validity of House Bill 2127, which is formally called the “Texas Regulatory Consistency Act.” It has been called the “Super Preemption Bill” and opponents have dubbed it the “Death Star Bill.”
The new law, which takes effect on Sept. 1, will prevent cities like San Antonio from making or enforcing local laws on issues like evictions, employment benefits, or a host of other subjects.
Supporters say HB 2127 is about keeping regulations consistent across the state, while opponents - including most of the San Antonio City Council - say it’s another attack by the state legislature on local control.
Cities already aren’t allowed to enact rules that would go against state law, but City Attorney Andy Segovia had previously said the bill goes further than that. It would prevent cities from passing laws that are even on the same subjects covered within entire portions of state law, including the finance, insurance, labor, or property codes.
Segovia believes the proposed law is unconstitutional, as home-rule cities like San Antonio “can do whatever they want as long as it’s not inconsistent or contrary to...
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