Good Idea

Dear Lone Star and Mayor Tillman,

Thank you for alerting us to this pending legislation.  This is exactly why citizen activists such as yourself are so important.

I attempted to review this bill myself from the State House of Representative web page without much success.  I queried my friend with much State level experience and received the response below*.

I notice that the "Public Hearing" was on 4-10-13.  I wonder if we might get a transcript of those comments given?

I am surprised at the audacity of State Lawmakers to even consider a Bill to take away local authority. It seems that the Republican membership of the Texas House have forgotten the basic tenet of the party is to have less government at the top and for local entities to remain in control.

I would like to see the local activists not only contacting their State Representatives as you have rightly urged, but also to contact City Council members throughout the State. City Councils are the front line in our defense of property.  They are also within the reach of the average citizen.

As they say, "all politics are local". City Councils regularly have discussions and vote for Resolutions in favor or opposing different ideas. This issue would be a perfect example of an issue of some substance and meaning for the Councils' constituents.

Please keep me informed of specific web pages or language so that I might be able to assist my City Council, City Manager and City Attorney in learning about this important Bill.

Thank you again for all your efforts.

 *  Reply from my initial inquiry :

This House Bill was heard in committee last Wednesday the 10, and left pending in the committee.  It is unlikely at this time in the legislative process that there is enough time for it to get out of committee and to the floor for action.  Then, it would need to be picked up by the Senate which probably not occur as there is only some 40 days left in this session.

Last Action: 04/10/2013 H Left pending in committee
 
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption Text: Relating to the effect of rules and standards adopted by the Railroad Commission of Texas relating to the gas pipeline industry on ordinances, orders or rules adopted by political subdivisions.
 
Author: Dale | King, Phil
 
Subjects: Oil & Gas (I0545)
Political Subdivisions (I0588)
STATE AGENCIES' RULES (S0346)
RAILROAD COMMISSION (V0089)
 
House Committee: Energy Resources  
Status: In committee  
 
Actions: (descending date order)

Description		Comment	Date	Time	Journal Page
H	Left pending in committee		04/10/2013
H	Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee		04/10/2013
H	Committee substitute considered in committee		04/10/2013
H	Considered in public hearing		04/10/2013
H	Scheduled for public hearing on . . .		04/10/2013
H	Referred to Energy Resources		03/18/2013		780
H	Read first time		03/18/2013		780
H	Filed		03/07/2013