Update: This bill was tabled in committee. New post with all the details.

The HB 540 Nanny Bill makes cities ask permission of the state.

The HB 540 Nanny Bill requires home rule cities to ask for the Attorney General’s permission before passing a municipal ordinance. This bill was filed by Rep. Phil King in retaliation of the Denton vote to ban fracking.

Several legislators, including State Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford), have vowed to file bills this session that would prohibit cities from banning fracking. Star-Telegram

BUT HB 540 requires the state’s permission for any “SUBMISSION OF INITIATIVE OR REFERENDUM BALLOT PROPOSALS.” HB 540 means none of the following would be allowed without state’s permission.



This bill is not just about fracking as many of our lawmakers mistakenly believe. This is a broad government overreach!



Take Action:

An easy way to stop this power grab:

Write to your representative

It only takes 2 minutes.

If possible, please show up in Austin to speak against this bill at the hearing Wednesday, March 11, 2015.

COMMITTEE: State Affairs

TIME & DATE: 10:30 AM or upon final adjourn./recess

PLACE: JHR 140

For more information: Read the Texas Municipal League response to H.B. 540.

DO SOMETHING!

Your city council will be Austin if HB 540 passes.