A Texas House committee has unanimously rejected House Bill 274, which proposed to establish a “District of Austin” under state control.
Authored by Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican from Houston, the bill aimed to allow the state to amend or repeal city laws and ordinances in Austin.
The House State Affairs Committee voted 0-11 against the measure, effectively halting its progress.
The proposal intended to create a governmental entity named the “District of Austin” to serve as the seat of state government.
The bill would have granted the state authority over local laws, policies, and ordinances within the city.
Representative Cain, the bill’s sponsor, introduced the legislation with concerns about Austin’s governance and its ability to manage issues like violent crime.
Representative Cain defended the bill during the committee hearing, stating it was necessary for holding Austin accountable to state standards.
Despite his advocacy, the committee members expressed strong reservations about the implications of transferring control from the city to the state.
The rejection of the bill leaves Austin’s local government with its existing powers intact.
Representative Cain’s proposal drew reactions from multiple stakeholders, including city officials, who argued that local issues should be addressed within the city.
The bill’s dismissal maintains the status quo, allowing Austin to continue operating under its existing legal framework.