What is Dillon's Rule?

• A. Dillon's Rule
• B. Voluntary compliance theory
• C. Absolute Immunity
• D. Sovereign immunity

Answer: (A)

Dillon's Rule states that local governments are creations of the state and can exercise only the powers the state gives them—expressly or as necessary to carry out those powers. They don’t have inherent sovereignty to do whatever they want. In code enforcement terms, this means a city or county can regulate and enforce codes only within the authority granted by state law, and state law governs over local action when there’s a conflict or preemption. In Texas, this rule serves as the default for general-law municipalities, with broader local autonomy possible for home-rule cities. The other concepts listed aren’t about local governmental powers: voluntary compliance theory relates to how people comply with regulations, absolute or sovereign immunity are about legal protections from liability or suit.