HB 796 – State nullification of Federal Acts

PRO-TAXPAYER POSITION
Support
Senate Journal Page: 3035

HB 796 allows the Texas Legislature to formally reject federal mandates that violate the the constitution and to block state and local officials from enforcing those mandates. This bill reinforces the principle of state sovereignty by letting lawmakers guard against federal overreach without relying on federal courts alone. By requiring a two-thirds vote, it ensures broad legislative consensus. This measure protects Texas taxpayers from bearing the cost of enforcing federal policies that conflict with constitutional rights and limits. It also strengthens local control by insulating state employees from directives that may undermine Texas priorities. Overall, it represents a fiscally responsible effort to keep government accountable to state citizens rather than federal bureaucrats.

PRO-TAXPAYER POSITION
Support
Vote Breakdown:
19
12
  • Pro-Taxpayer
  • Anti-Taxpayer
  • Absent
  • Speaker
  • Absent, Excused
  • Present, not voting
  • Not Applicable
LegislatorDistrictPartyVote
Carol Alvarado
6 Democrat
X
Paul Bettencourt
7 Republican
Check
Brian Birdwell
22 Republican
Check
César Blanco
29 Democrat
X
Donna Campbell
25 Republican
Check
Molly Cook
15 Democrat
X
Brandon Creighton
4 Republican
Check
Sarah Eckhardt
14 Democrat
X
Pete Flores
24 Republican
Check
Roland Gutierrez
19 Democrat
X
Brent Hagenbuch
30 Republican
Check
Bob Hall
2 Republican
X
Kelly Hancock
9 Republican
Check
Juan Hinojosa
20 Democrat
X
Adam Hinojosa
27 Republican
Check
Joan Huffman
17 Republican
Check
Bryan Hughes
1 Republican
Check
Nathan Johnson
16 Democrat
X
Phil King
10 Republican
Check
Lois Kolkhorst
18 Republican
Check
José Menéndez
26 Democrat
X
Mayes Middleton
11 Republican
Check
Borris Miles
13 Democrat
X
Robert Nichols
3 Republican
Check
Tan Parker
12 Republican
Check
Angela Paxton
8 Republican
Check
Charles Perry
28 Republican
Check
Charles Schwertner
5 Republican
Check
Kevin Sparks
31 Republican
Check
Royce West
23 Democrat
X
Judith Zaffirini
21 Democrat
X