Sign-On Letter: Uphold Local Freedom and Democracy

View this sign-on letter as a PDF here.

Texans agree that our communities are strongest when the state isn’t interfering in our local affairs. Our freedom to have a say in how our communities should be governed is a fundamental right. We, the signers of this letter, strongly oppose attacks on local freedoms.

HB 2127 and SB 814 would prohibit city and county governments from passing or enforcing basic protections if those local policies exceed the bounds of state law in the areas of agriculture, finance, labor, natural resources, and occupation licenses. Bills that restrict the freedom of local officials to do what’s right for their communities and working families harm workers, local democracy, and undermine the safety and freedom of local communities. 

    These bills would allow private lawsuits and prohibit local policies that:

• Guarantee basic safety protections for construction workers.
• Require consumer protections and restrict predatory lending abuses.
• Regulate sanitation, pest control and local hazards.
• Protect our environment and animals including regulations on puppy mills.
• Ensure fundamental civil rights protections.
• Respond to disaster and public health emergencies.
• Regulate noise and amplified sound.
• Set local truck routes and many other unintended consequences.

A statewide voter poll conducted in 2019 showed that 83% of everyday Texans agreed that “local governments pass local ordinances that create strong local economies which contribute to a strong state economy” and 82% surveyed disapproved of “state legislators passing laws that render local governments powerless to regulate businesses or protect workers”.

What’s best for folks in Dallas isn’t necessarily best for McAllen. What works for the community in San Antonio may not be right for Beaumont. Our local officials know the unique needs of our specific communities. We elect them to enact policies that reflect our values, strengthen our local economies, and create the conditions for individuals and families to flourish.

HB 2127/SB 814 do not reflect the will nor vision of everyday Texans. Our communities deserve the freedom to make decisions for ourselves.