Texas lawmakers are facing criticism from local elected and community leaders who say that House Bill 2127 would limit the power of the city and county to enforce local laws that protect residents. The bill, filed by Republican State Representative Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, would prevent local governments from regulating changes in state codes, such as agriculture, finance, insurance, labor, natural resources, and occupations. If passed, the bill would give the state more control, limiting the authority of the City of Houston and Harris County to enforce some laws.

Opponents of the bill are calling it a “Death Star” bill, and they say it is an unacceptable infringement on the right to govern at the local level. Hany Khalil, Executive Director of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, said the bill is an example of years-long efforts by Texas Republican lawmakers to gain control of local governments. Khalil also accused Republican leadership of neglecting community concerns, such as flooding and environmental issues.

State Rep. Dustin Burrows defended the bill, saying that it would provide regulatory stability and certainty that would enable business owners to expand their businesses to other cities within Texas with more consistency, creating more jobs and prosperity in the process. Burrows added that the bill would not stop local governments from addressing natural or man-made disasters, unsafe waste storage, short-term rentals, towing and impounding, water restrictions, uncontrolled burns, backyard fire displays, unsafe outdoor festivals, and open containers.

However, local leaders argue that the bill would create more problems for the city and the county, and that it is a total power grab. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said the bill would preempt their ability to serve people in a manner tailored to the local challenges they face. Governor Greg Abbott is in support of the bill, but local officials are urging Houstonians to call their state representatives to vote no on HB 2127.