Bill > SB3016

This bill aims to establish greater state-level regulatory consistency by limiting local governments' ability to create their own regulations in various fields. The bill finds that local jurisdictions have recently created a "patchwork" of regulations that differ from state standards, and seeks to return regulatory authority to the state level. Specifically, the bill creates new legal mechanisms for challenging local ordinances, including allowing private citizens and trade associations to sue municipalities or counties for adopting regulations that conflict with state laws, and empowering the Attorney General to investigate and take action against local governments. The bill introduces provisions that would penalize municipalities or counties found in violation of state regulatory standards, including withholding state funds, limiting tax rates, and restricting budget adoptions. Under the new law, municipalities and counties cannot adopt ordinances or rules regulating conduct in fields already governed by state statutes, and any such local regulations would be considered void. The bill includes robust severability language to ensure that if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, the rest remains in effect, and it designates the Texas Supreme Court as having exclusive jurisdiction over constitutional challenges. The provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, and notably include several exceptions that still allow local governments to perform certain functions like road maintenance, tax collection, and providing specific services.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB3016