City of San Antonio sues Texas over newly adopted ‘Death Star’ bill

The legislation, HB 2171, empowers businesses and people to sue municipalities for locally adopted rules and regulations that go further than existing state law. Critics argue the measure, championed by Gov. Greg Abbott, is a bid by the Texas GOP to punish San Antonio and other big Texas cities, which are largely run by Democrats.

San Antonio City Attorney Andy Segovia last week said the city was exploring legal options for opposing HB 2171. Houston has already sued over the measure, which it argues violates the Texas Constitution, which includes a provision ensuring that cities have home rule.

The law, which goes into effect Sept. 1, will limit municipalities’ ability to craft new ordinances that relate to business, labor, property and agriculture. Experts maintain it also will open up a flood of lawsuits to overturn existing city and county rules.

Segovia and Mayor Ron Nirenberg are expected to discuss further details of the suit at a press conference later this morning.

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This article appears in Jul 12-25, 2023.