Texas House Bill HCR29

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Declaring that presidential executive orders cannot interfere with states' rights.

Impact

The resolution expresses concern over the growing reliance on executive orders by the federal government, arguing that such actions undermine the legislative process and could infringe upon the rights of Texas citizens. By declaring that such orders hold no state authority, the resolution would effectively instruct state agencies and regulatory bodies to disregard presidential directives that they consider overreach. In practical terms, this could lead to a significant divergence between Texas state policies and federal mandates, particularly in areas where the executive orders are contested.

Summary

HCR29 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature that asserts the principle that presidential executive orders cannot interfere with states' rights. The resolution is grounded in the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which delineates the division of powers between the federal government and the states. By emphasizing that powers not expressly granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved for the states or the people, HCR29 calls upon Texas to reaffirm its sovereignty and independence in governance.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HCR29 relates to the balance of power and authority between state and federal governments. Proponents of the resolution argue that it is a necessary step to protect states' rights and prevent any potential federal overreach that could compromise the autonomy of the state. Conversely, detractors may view this resolution as potentially enabling states to selectively ignore federal laws, which could lead to conflicts and complications in governance. The implications of such a stance raise important questions about federalism and the practical effects on policy implementation across the state.