The Texas Capitol ‘Is Not City Hall,’ Public Citizen Says in Response to Judge Blocking ‘Death Star Bill’
Power grab HB 2127 would strip cities of their rightful authority and shift it to state lawmakers in Austin
AUSTIN, Texas – A state judge in Travis County struck down House Bill 2127 today, ruling that the legislation approved by the Legislature earlier this year is not allowed under the state constitution. The law, which some have called the “Death Star Bill” for its broad undermining of local control, was set to go into effect this Friday. It is expected that the ruling will be appealed.
Adrian Shelley, Texas director of Public Citizen, issued the following statement:
“The Texas Capitol building in downtown Austin is not city hall. HB 2127 sought to take away authority from elected officials in cities and counties across Texas. Today’s ruling is a victory for Texans statewide who, through their elected mayors and city council members, have chosen local ordinances that make sense for their communities.
“As Texans endure a brutally hot summer, the ban on water breaks for outdoor workers has become emblematic of the cruelty of HB 2127. Until state leadership cares about people, we must rely on local elected officials to protect us.”