US EditionTexas Republican lawmakers may 'financially handcuff' cities that don’t play by their rules
- Texas Republican lawmakers approved Senate Bill 2858 in late April 2025 to restrict cities' authority over local policies and budgets.
- This bill builds on a 2023 law limiting local rules that exceed state law and allows freezing local tax revenue during legal disputes.
- The bill targets progressive initiatives including guaranteed income programs, environmental measures, and efforts to reduce car travel lanes in cities.
- State Sen. Brandon Creighton said such measures ensure cities do not overstep, while Sen. Paul Bettencourt stated, "Public funds should advance public interests."
- Opponents argue these laws stifle local governance and harm city budgets, with groups like the Texas Municipal League warning they will "financially handcuff Texas cities.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Odessa American
Houston Public MediaTexas Republican lawmakers may ‘financially handcuff’ cities that don’t play by their rules
Texas Republican lawmakers have spent several years eroding local control, especially in the state’s largest Democratic-controlled cities like Austin. Credit: Sophie Park/The Texas Tribune By Joshua Fechter, The Texas Tribune DALLAS Two years after Texas lawmakers enacted a sweeping law aimed at sapping authority from the state’s urban areas, GOP legislators once more have advanced bills intended to stop local governments from adopting progressi…
GOP concocts new 'Death Star' to 'handcuff' Texas cities that don’t play by their rules
DALLAS — Two years after Texas lawmakers enacted a sweeping law aimed at sapping authority from the state’s urban areas, GOP legislators once more have advanced bills intended to stop local governments from adopting progressive policies.Republicans in the Texas Legislature want to give the state the authority to effectively torpedo cities’ budgets if they pursue local rules that might conflict with state law — intended to deter them from adoptin…
Texas Republican Lawmakers May “Financially Handcuff” Cities That Don’t Play by Their Rules - Dallas Weekly
DALLAS — Two years after Texas lawmakers enacted a sweeping law aimed at sapping authority from the state’s urban areas, GOP legislators once more have advanced bills intended to stop local governments from adopting progressive policies.Republicans in the Texas Legislature want to give the state the authority to effectively torpedo cities’ budgets if they pursue local rules that might conflict with state law — intended to deter them from adoptin…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
