Texas Judge Strikes Down Controversial State Law Restricting City Authority
A Texas judge has ruled that House Bill 2127, which aimed to restrict cities' authority to make their own laws, is unconstitutional. The bill, dubbed the "Death Star Bill" by opponents, would have prevented cities from passing local rules without state authorization, including minimum wages and worker protections. The ruling was celebrated by cities and Democratic advocates who argued that the law was intended to shut down progressive policies. The measure, sponsored by Republican lawmakers, marked an expansive attempt to limit the authority of Texas's major metropolitan areas. The Texas attorney general's office is expected to appeal the ruling.