The Texas Supreme Court in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) held that Health and Safety Code Section 361.0961 preempts municipal plastic bag bans. Cities and counties cannot prohibit or restrict retail use of plastic checkout bags as containers or packages.
Health and Safety Code 361.0961, part of the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act, prohibits local governments from adopting an ordinance, rule, or regulation to prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package. In City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association, 550 S.W.3d 586 (Tex. 2018), the Texas Supreme Court unanimously held this provision preempts municipal single-use plastic bag bans, invalidating ordinances in Laredo, Austin, Fort Stockton, and others. Subsequent enforcement under HB 2127 (2023) reinforces preemption. Voluntary retailer programs and educational measures remain permitted but mandatory bans are unenforceable.
Local bag-ban ordinances are unenforceable; cities adopting them face declaratory judgment and injunctive relief actions and may be enjoined under HB 2127 enforcement provisions.
Pharr, TX
Construction noise in Pharr is governed by local ordinance. Standard South Texas practice allows construction during daytime hours. Verify current hours with...
Pharr, TX
Pharr's noise ordinance is codified in the municipal code hosted on Municode. Quiet hours are enforced evenings and early mornings. Violations are Class C mi...
Pharr, TX
Aircraft noise is federally regulated. Pharr is near McAllen-Miller International Airport (MFE). Local ordinances cannot override FAA authority.
Pharr, TX
Persistent barking is enforceable as a nuisance under Pharr's animal and nuisance ordinances. Officer warning typically required before citation.
Pharr, TX
Street parking in Pharr is governed by local traffic ordinances and TX Transportation Code. Generally permitted except in designated no-parking zones.
Pharr, TX
Abandoned and junked vehicles are regulated under TX Transportation Code §683 and Pharr's nuisance ordinance. Inoperable vehicles may be cited and towed.
See how Pharr's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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