What distinguishes home-rule cities from general-law cities in Texas?

Home-rule cities are distinguished from general-law cities primarily by their ability to create their own charters. This means that home-rule cities have the authority to adopt a charter that serves as their constitution, allowing them to establish their own form of government and define the structure, powers, and responsibilities of their local government as long as they do not contradict state laws. This flexibility enables home-rule cities to tailor their governance to better fit the needs and preferences of their residents.

In contrast, general-law cities operate under a set of regulations and frameworks established by the state, which limits their ability to customize their governing documents. General-law cities are typically smaller in population and must operate under the policies set forth by state law, which governs how they can function. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what separates home-rule cities from general-law cities; for instance, both city types must adhere to state regulations in some form, and there are no limits on population size that apply exclusively to either classification. Thus, the key distinction lies in the ability of home-rule cities to create their own charters.