Texas House Bill HCR26

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution.

Impact

The resolution aims to notify the federal government to cease any activities or mandates that exceed its constitutionally delegated powers. In practice, this means that Texas seeks to challenge and potentially nullify federal laws that it deems unconstitutional and that impose undue restrictions or obligations on state governance. If adopted widely, the implications could lead to significant tension between state and federal authorities, as well as potential legal battles over states' rights versus federal oversight.

Summary

HCR26 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature that asserts the state's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Tenth Amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people. This resolution underscores the belief that the federal government has overstepped its boundaries, treating states as subordinate entities, rather than as independent agents. It is an expression of Texas's commitment to uphold its rights as conferred by the Constitution.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR26 include concerns about the potential for increased divisiveness and the undermining of federal authority. Critics may argue that the resolution could foster a pathway toward selective compliance with federal laws, thereby jeopardizing uniformity in law enforcement and governance across states. Supporters, however, maintain that the resolution is a necessary safeguard against federal overreach and respects the foundational principles of federalism envisaged in the Constitution.