Texas Republicans push bills that would strip cities of ability to pass worker-protection ordinances

Republican-backed bills introduced in both the Texas House and Senate would bar municipalities from passing ordinances to protect workers if those measures include requirements that go beyond existing state laws. Those two proposals — House Bill 2127 and Senate Bill 814 — have the blessing of Gov. Greg Abbott and a variety of pro-business groups, according to the Texas Tribune. The authors of the bills argue that they're intended to help small businesses avoid a confusing regulatory morass.