Affirming that the State of Texas claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States, serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates, and providing that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed.
Impact
If enacted, HCR16 would not change state laws directly but would signify Texas's intention to assert its rights against perceived overreach by federal authorities. The resolution requests that federal legislation that mandates state compliance under threats of penalties be prohibited or repealed. This stance may affect future interactions between Texas state governance and federal requirements, promoting a potential reevaluation of legislative compliance at the state level.
Summary
HCR16, also known as the Texas House Concurrent Resolution 16, asserts the state of Texas's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It proclaims that powers not granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. The resolution articulates a view of the federal relationship as one where the states are agents, rather than subjects, of the federal government, suggesting that many current federal mandates violate this foundational principle.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR16 appears to be supportive among Texas lawmakers who value state rights and sovereignty. Proponents argue that the resolution reaffirms Texas's autonomy and addresses concerns regarding federal encroachment on personal freedoms and state authority. However, it may draw criticism from those who view it as a challenge to federal power, potentially complicating collaborative efforts between state and federal governments.
Contention
Notable points of contention arise from the constitutionality of federal mandates versus state sovereignty. Advocates for HCR16 emphasize the importance of state rights enshrined in the Tenth Amendment, while opponents may argue that uniform federal standards are necessary for governance and social order. The resolution's call for a cease and desist from federal mandates may spark debates on the role of federal authority, state autonomy, and the balance of power between different governmental levels, inviting lively discussion in both political and legal arenas.
Relating to the identification of and prohibited cooperation by state and local entities with certain federal acts that violate the United States Constitution.
Relating to the identification of and prohibited cooperation by state and local entities with certain federal acts that violate the United States Constitution.
Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.
Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.
Extending the deadline for the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.
Urging Congress to amend federal law to allow states to provide for the consolidation of federally funded workforce development services with federally funded social safety net services.