Senator Bob Hall of Canton has introduced Senate Bill 80, known as the Texas Sovereignty Act, which would give Texas the authority to declare federal actions unconstitutional.
The bill proposes the creation of a bipartisan joint committee to review federal laws, agency policies, executive orders, court decisions, and treaties. If the committee determines an action is unconstitutional, it would require agreement from the Texas Supreme Court, the full legislature, and the governor.
Once deemed unconstitutional, Texas would block state funds from being used to enforce the federal measure. Senator Hall emphasizes that the act asserts Texas’ independence in areas where federal authority is not explicitly granted by the U.S. Constitution. The 89th Texas Legislature will convene on January 14, 2025, to consider the bill, which would take effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
The proposed legislation has sparked debate over states’ rights and the balance of power between state and federal governments.
