July 8th 2023.
Amid sweltering temperatures in the triple-digits, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently passed legislation that eliminates mandatory water breaks for certain service workers. House Bill 2127, or as it's critics call it the "Death Star Bill," allows the state government to override local government. This state code applies to eight key areas such as agriculture, business & commerce, finance, insurance, labor, natural resources, occupations, and property.
The bill, signed by Gov. Abbott on June 6th, has been met with backlash from critics who argue it will invalidate local ordinances. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner held a press conference on July 3rd claiming the bill would overturn city ordinances regulating tow truck companies, outdoor music festivals, noise control, and boarding homes. Mayor Turner expressed concern over what local laws would become illegal under the new state law, noting that it would be a major reversal from how things have been in the state for over a century.
Tragically, at least four workers have died from heat-related issues since the bill was signed into law, according to the Texas Observer. Among them was a post office worker in Dallas, a utility lineman in East Texas, and two construction workers in Houston. The Associated Press reported that an ongoing heatwave is to blame for the deaths of at least thirteen people.
This bill will go into effect on September 1 and the City of Houston has filed a lawsuit against the state in response. The Environmental Protection Agency has allocated $115 million to help Jackson, Mississippi during its water crisis.
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