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Texas legislators are advancing a couple of bills that would give the state control of local regulations. A House bill would prohibit city and county regulations that go further than state law in a wide range of areas, such as labor, finance, natural resources, and agriculture. The bill received initial approval on Tuesday, but must come up before the House again for a final vote. Supporters say the bill rolls back a confusing mess of local rules that interfere with business and harm the state's economy. The Texas Senate is considering a similar bill.