Bill Caption

Relating to the enforcement of certain federal laws regulating oil and gas operations within the State of Texas.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated

Bill Analysis

HB 1683 would prohibit a state agency or an employee of a state agency from providing assistance to a federal agency or official in enforcing a federal statute, order, rule, or regulation that is applicable to the oil and gas industry, if the rules impose a prohibition, restriction, or other regulation that does not exist under the laws of this state.

This bill would require the Attorney General of Texas to defend any agency of this state if the federal government attempts to sue for complying with this bill.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 1683 as this bill limits government by limiting federal overreach that could harm the economically valuable oil and gas industry that drives the Texas Economy.

We also recommend amending this bill to restore the provisions from the originally filed version of this bill which were stripped from the committee substitute such as a prohibition on receiving federal grants in exchange for adopting certain rules and the ability for citizens to file complaints with the attorney general.