Texas conservatives passed House Bill 2127 to prevent local governments from making rules beyond what the state specifies, allowing individuals and businesses to sue municipalities for violating the law. Major cities sued to stop it, but a Democratic judge ruled against the law, giving cities the power to resume passing ordinances that may be restricted. Despite the GOP’s support, the law is held up in court, with no businesses having filed claims yet.

The law aimed to prevent local regulations on issues like agriculture, business, and commerce, but cities like San Antonio continued passing ordinances that may be in violation of HB 2127. The law was intended to eliminate a “patchwork” of regulations from city to city, but cities have not complied with it. The lack of compliance is a problem for supporters of the law, who believe the Texas Supreme Court will ultimately rule in their favor.

The case challenging HB 2127 is held up in a regional appeals court, which the state has stripped of some power. A new statewide appeals court was created to handle cases with statewide interest, but the state’s appeal was filed before it could start accepting cases. Despite the delay, supporters of the law are confident that the Texas Supreme Court will rule in their favor.