The article discusses situations where local governments can resolve certain issues only if there is a law of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation. It is stated that in the absence of a law of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation, local governments become hostages of the current situation. Based on the analysis of current legislation and law enforcement practice, the issue of the possibility for local governments to carry out advanced legal regulation of relevant public relations is analyzed. On the eve of the planned reform of local government, proposals are being made to improve legislation.