What term describes local cities or towns that can pass their own laws based on state legislation?

The term that describes local cities or towns that can pass their own laws based on state legislation is "home rule." Home rule allows municipalities a degree of autonomy to govern themselves and create local laws that reflect the specific needs and preferences of their communities, as long as those laws do not conflict with state laws.

Home rule is significant because it empowers cities to address local issues without needing to seek state approval for every local ordinance or regulation. This flexibility is essential for managing local affairs, such as zoning, public safety, and public health, which can vary greatly between different areas.

In contrast, general law municipalities are those governed strictly by the laws enacted by the state, meaning they cannot create local ordinances that deviate from state statutes. City Councils are governing bodies within municipalities responsible for making legislative decisions but do not define the framework of local law itself. An incorporated charter is a specific legal document that establishes a municipality and is typically associated with cities that have adopted home rule; however, it is the home rule status that truly provides the authority to enact local laws.