Bennett Sandlin News Today

A new phase in the American tussle between state and local powers | United States

Gov. Greg Abbott, an outspoken critic of federal overreach, recently suggested that his state should adopt a "ban across the board" on local regulations.

In a major escalation of Republicans’ efforts to weaken the state’s bluer cities and counties, lawmakers in the Texas Legislature are advancing a pair of bills that would seize control of local regulations that could range from worker protections to water restrictions during droughts.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

City officials say the full scope of the legislation advanced Tuesday is still unclear, but it would limit their ability to issue worker protections, water restrictions and more.

As Texas contends with historically high home prices and rents, state legislators consider a simple idea: Build more homes and costs will come down.

The legislatures are seeking to limit cities’ power to set their own policies on everything from charged national issues like gun regulations to less-discussed ones like labor standards on hot days, and who decides who sits on local courts.

The legislatures are seeking to limit cities’ power to set their own policies on everything from charged national issues like gun regulations to less-discussed ones like labor standards on hot days, and who decides who sits on local courts.

This May, San Antonio voters will decide the fifth citizen-driven ballot measure since 2018.

BY JOSHUA FECHTER

Housing advocates, builders and real estate experts agree that the state simply isn’t building enough homes to keep up with its booming population and economic growth.