Council approves resolution asking Texas Municipal League to seek statutory clarity on decorum during citizen comments

On Sept. 9 the Coppell City Council approved a resolution asking the Texas Municipal League (TML) to seek legislation providing “statutory clarity for municipal actions to maintain order and decorum during citizen comment periods while upholding constitutional protections.” The item followed prior local action and two weeks of council discussion about limits on conduct during public comment.

City Attorney Robert Hager briefed the council, saying a state-level clarification would allow municipalities to enact reasonable time, place and manner rules—consistent with the First Amendment—without increasing litigation risk. Hager said he had discussed the approach with mayors of Lewisville, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison and Plano, who supported the request to TML.

Council debate was split. Supporters, including Councilmember Hill and Councilmember Nevills, said the measure sought only statutory clarity to protect staff and the public and to reduce litigation risk. Opponents, including Councilmembers Walker and Carroll, argued the city should retain maximum local discretion and that turning to Austin could produce broader, unintended restrictions on free speech. Several councilmembers said the request to TML is only the first step: any TML-backed initiative would still need member-city approval at TML’s October meeting before the League lobbies the Legislature.

Outcome: The council voted to approve the resolution and to have the mayor sign. The motion passed with a split vote; several councilmembers recorded their opposition during the roll call.

What happens next: If TML accepts the resolution, the League’s membership will consider it at its October meeting. Any legislative initiative would then be proposed to the Texas Legislature for consideration during a future session.