TX
Texas House Bill HCR66

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HCR66

Introduced
2/23/09  

Caption

Memorializing Congress in defense of the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, affirming the right of states to nullify acts of Congress, executive orders, and judicial orders, and asserting that any act, executive order, or judicial order that assumes a power not delegated to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution and which diminishes the liberty of any state or citizen shall constitute a nullification of the Constitution.

Impact

Should HCR66 be enacted, it would empower Texas and potentially other states to refuse compliance with certain federal mandates that they argue are beyond the scope of congressional authority as defined in the Constitution. This aligns with a stricter interpretation of federalism where states assert their rights against the federal government over perceived overreach. Consequently, this could lead to significant changes in how states interact with federal regulations and laws, potentially fostering a more contentious relationship between state and federal governments.

Summary

HCR66 is a concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas Legislature that seeks to reaffirm the authority of states under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution stipulates that any acts of Congress or federal executive orders that overstep the powers delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are deemed unconstitutional. HCR66 emphasizes the importance of local self-government and advocates for the ability of states to nullify federal actions that they perceive as detrimental to their rights and liberties.

Contention

The resolution introduces notable contention regarding the balance of power between state and federal authorities. Proponents argue that HCR66 is necessary to protect the freedoms of states and their residents from federal overreach, while opponents warn that it could undermine federal law and lead to legal chaos. Furthermore, critics suggest that permitting states to nullify federal laws could lead to a fragmented legal system where differing interpretations of the Constitution could result in inconsistencies in the application of federal statutes, ultimately affecting the coherence of federal policy across the nation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HR13

Suspending the constitutional order of business.

TX HJR202

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the composition of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

TX SJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.

TX HJR35

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.

TX SJR36

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.

TX SJR25

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

TX SJR35

Proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.

TX HJR7

Proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.

TX HJR174

Proposing a constitutional amendment recognizing the right of a person to purchase, to own, and to operate a motor vehicle that is powered by an internal-combustion engine.

TX HJR34

Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the time that a person may serve as a member of the Texas Legislature or as a statewide elected officer in the executive branch.

Similar Bills

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AL HJR104

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NJ AJR207

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HI SR81

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HI SR109

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WV HCR75

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HI HR97

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