Texas House Bill HB2953

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/17/11

Caption

Relating to the state agency concurrence required before certain federal regulatory action is imposed on regulated business entities in this state.

Impact

By establishing procedures that federal agencies must follow, HB2953 seeks to shield Texas businesses from unwanted federal interventions. It allows regulated entities to challenge federal actions in court if the appropriate state procedures have not been followed. This can lead to a notable shift in the balance of regulatory power, reinforcing the authority of state agencies over federal interventions in state-regulated businesses. The bill is expected to create an ecosystem where state agencies act as mediators or arbitrators in disputes involving federal regulatory actions.

Summary

House Bill 2953 introduces significant changes to how federal regulatory actions are enforced against regulated business entities in Texas. The bill requires that federal agencies must receive concurrence from the relevant state agency before proceeding with any adversarial action. This aims to provide businesses a level of protection against perceived heavy-handed or arbitrary actions by federal entities. The legislative intent is to foster a more collaborative approach between state and federal agencies, significantly empowering state agencies in this context.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2953 appears to be largely supportive among business interests and Republican lawmakers who advocate for state rights against federal overreach. Supporters argue that the bill is essential in protecting local businesses and ensuring that they are not subjected to abrupt federal actions without state oversight. Conversely, some critics express concerns that this may lead to bureaucratic delays and that the bill could undermine the enforcement of important federal regulations designed to protect public interests.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates on whether this bill could lead to challenges against necessary federal regulations that benefit public welfare. Opponents worry that overly restricting federal regulatory power could prevent effective oversight and enforcement of public safety, environmental protections, and labor laws. As the dialogue around the bill unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how this regulatory structure influences the relationship between state and federal governments, and the implications it has for business operations across Texas.