Houston Takes Legal Action Against Texas' Controversial "Death Star" Bill

Houston has filed a lawsuit against a new Texas state law, known as HB 2127 or the 'Death Star Bill', that blocks a range of local regulations. The city argues that the law is unconstitutional and seeks to have it ruled unenforceable. The law limits local regulations to what is expressly authorized in state codes, potentially subjecting existing regulations to lawsuits. Critics argue that the law goes too far in wiping out local rules and could impact regulations on issues such as hazardous waste disposal. Business groups and Republican legislators support the law, claiming it provides consistency for companies across the state. Houston officials are seeking a temporary court ruling to halt the law's implementation.