Legislative glossary
Preemption
Also known as: state preemption
Definition
A clause that blocks cities or counties from enacting stricter rules than the state. Often the price of getting a bill past industry lobbies.
Why it matters
Preemption is the state telling its cities 'no, and you can't either.' A preemption clause blocks local governments from regulating beyond, or sometimes at all on, the bill's subject. Industry groups often make preemption the price of dropping opposition: one statewide rule beats fifty local ones. The cost lands on local control, and the fight maps onto the urban/rural divide more than party lines.
In the game
Industry lobbyists in The Bill to Law Game will offer to stand down, if you add preemption language. Mayors and your grassroots coalition have opinions about that trade.
Related terms
Comes up alongside