Sen. Burt Saunders' bill that would preempt local governments from regulating household moving companies made it through the Senate Commerce Committee by a 5-3 vote. While Saunders and moving industry officials said it would streamline their work and still protect consumers, local government officials balked.

"You statement is the consumer is better protected with less regulation. That seems arbitrary to me," said Sen. Rudy Garcia, who voted no with Charlie Justice and Jeremy Ring.

"Quite frankly, they [local officials} should be happy the state is taking over on this," Saunders said.