Texas House Bill 2127 Draws Strong Opposition in Houston as Immigrant Workers and Allies Rally Outside City Hall

Community members, immigrant workers, and allies gathered outside Houston City Hall to denounce the newly-approved Texas law, House Bill 2127 (HB-2127).

The rally aimed to shed light on the detrimental consequences Texas Law HB-2127 could have on labor and housing protections for workers and families. (Photo: Click2Houston)

Governor Greg Abbott Signed into Law House Bill 2127

Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2127  into law on June 14, 2023, setting the effective date for September 1, 2023, a published news article reported.

The City of Houston emphasized that, according to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution, home-rule cities possess the authority of local self-government and may act in accordance with their charters.

However, it is important to note that these charters must not conflict with the Texas Constitution or state law.

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Texas Law HB-2127 Draws Strong Opposition

The rally aimed to shed light on the detrimental consequences Texas Law House Bill 2127 could have on labor and housing protections for workers and families.

Of particular concern was the potential removal of workplace safeguards that currently prevent injuries and fatalities among immigrant essential workers.

According to a Texas Tribune report, House Bill 2127 is designed to restrict cities and counties from enacting regulations beyond state law in various areas, including labor, agriculture, natural resources, and finance.

Proponents of House Bill 2127 argue that it is necessary to address a perceived proliferation of conflicting local regulations, which they claim hinder business operations and negatively impact the state’s economy.

Unyielding in their resistance, the City of Houston took a decisive step by filing a lawsuit in Travis County against the State of Texas, challenging the constitutionality, validity, and enforceability of House Bill 2127.

Dubbed the “Death Star” or “Super” preemption bill, the lawsuit argues that the legislation not only incentivizes but also coerces home-rule cities and their taxpayers into financing lawsuits initiated by trade associations seeking to dismantle local-level regulations within their industries.

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