Texas House Bill HB1751

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the execution or enforcement of federal laws that violate the Bill of Rights of the Texas Constitution.

Impact

Should HB1751 be enacted, it could have far-reaching implications on state and federal relations, particularly concerning the application of law by state agencies and political subdivisions. The bill empowers the legislature to determine whether federal laws conflict with state constitutional rights. This could lead to a situation where state agencies are prohibited from enforcing federal regulations, potentially creating a conflict regarding compliance with federal law.

Summary

House Bill 1751 aims to establish a policy in Texas that prohibits the execution and enforcement of any federal law deemed to violate the Bill of Rights as stated in the Texas Constitution. The bill outlines a process for the Texas legislature to formally declare which federal laws violate these rights, thus prioritizing state legislative authority over federal directives. This intended refusal of support for federal governance is a significant move towards asserting state sovereignty in the face of federal regulation.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and community members. Proponents argue it is essential for defending Texans' constitutional rights against perceived overreach by the federal government. They see the bill as a necessary measure to ensure that local governance remains responsive to the will of the people in Texas. However, opponents raise concerns that such legislation could create chaos and undermine the rule of law, arguing that it might lead to a breakdown of legal consistency across state and federal jurisdictions and put Texas at odds with national policies.