HB796

Relating to the authority of the legislature to determine that certain federal directives are unconstitutional and to prohibit certain government officers and employees from enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of the directive.

Chamber Passed·5/7/25

Texas Sovereignty Act establishes a committee to review federal actions and declare them unconstitutional if they exceed federal authority.

The Texas Sovereignty Act establishes the Joint Legislative Committee on Constitutional Enforcement to review federal actions and determine if they are unconstitutional. The committee can declare a federal action unconstitutional if it exceeds federal authority as delegated by the U.S. Constitution. If a majority of the committee votes that a federal action is unconstitutional, the determination is sent to the governor. If approved by the governor or if the legislature votes in favor, the federal action is declared unconstitutional in Texas.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 19–12 · May 7, 2025
Current
The Senate
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

0
29
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

19 Yea

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

12 Nay

RDDDDDDDDDDD

Calendar

May 15, 2025

9:00 AM

Senate State Affairs Committee Hearing

Mar 26, 2025

8:00 AM

House State Affairs Committee Hearing

History

May 28, 2025

Senate

Co-sponsor authorized

May 28, 2025

Senate

Placed on intent calendar

May 28, 2025

Senate

Rules suspended-Regular order of business