AG Paxton Commends Fifth Circuit Ruling Upholding First Amendment for the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
“The Fifth Circuit correctly protected the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, a non-party, from an overly broad demand by an abortion group for internal communications that were not only irrelevant to the subject of this case, but invaded the faith group’s treasured First Amendment right to be free from courts prying into their religious beliefs” Attorney General Paxton said. “In making such an erroneous demand, abortion advocates succeeded only in demonstrating that they are willing to violate the Constitution to further their pro-abortion agenda and attempt to silence those offering a respectful burial to unborn children.”
AG Paxton Issues Consumer Alert on Misleading Homestead Tax Exemption Offers
“My office is actively reviewing all of the complaints and we will take whatever legal steps are necessary to stop unlawful activity by any company trying to take advantage of Texans,” Attorney General Paxton said. “I urge anyone who has received a solicitation offering a ”˜designation of homestead’ that they believe is deceptive to please call my office’s consumer hotline at 800-621-0508 and report it.”
AG Paxton Joins 26-State Coalition Urging Prompt Senate Confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court
“Throughout his career, Judge Kavanaugh has demonstrated an abiding commitment to the principles and freedoms on which our country was founded, and an unshakable respect for the proper role of the courts within our constitutional structure,” the coalition wrote. “The Senate should confirm President Trump’s choice without delay.”
AG Paxton’s Office, Travis County DA Margaret Moore Obtain Conviction, 40-Year Prison Sentence in Sex Trafficking Case Involving a 14-Year-Old Victim
“As a result of this successful, first-of-its-kind partnership between my office, the Travis County District Attorney’s office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, a dangerous and despicable human trafficker has been brought to justice,” Attorney General Paxton said. “I’m grateful to the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this collaborative effort. My office will continue to work to protect victims from sex trafficking and prosecute those who profit from the exploitation of human beings.”
AG Paxton Leads 14-State Brief Challenging Constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
“The CFPB was designed to be a rogue agency and its structure violates the Constitution’s separation of powers,” Attorney General Paxton said. “The CFPB operates like a branch of government unto itself, insulated from Congressional appropriations and presidential authority. Its unlawful structure allows for an unelected and unaccountable director to wield more power than anyone else in the U.S. government, except the president.”
AG Paxton Releases Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh
“Brett Kavanaugh is an extraordinarily well-qualified Supreme Court nominee, in the mold of Justice Gorsuch, President Trump’s superb first pick for the high court. Judge Kavanaugh has distinguished himself as one of the nation’s leading constitutional scholars. He has written over 300 opinions, including many widely-cited decisions on federal regulations, statutory interpretation, and separation of powers. Judge Kavanaugh’s many years as an appellate judge demonstrate his firm commitment to following the rule of law and the original understanding of the Constitution. He’ll make an excellent addition to the Supreme Court and leave a lasting legacy on the law.”
AG Paxton’s Office Warns San Antonio Against Circumventing Texas Law on Paid Sick Leave
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office today cautioned San Antonio city leaders about Texas law that preempts municipalities from enacting ordinances requiring employers to provide paid sick leave. In a letter to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and members of the city council, the attorney general’s office expressed concern about a petition submitted to the city clerk to place a municipal paid sick leave ordinance on the ballot. Under the city’s charter, the council must vote on whether to enact the ordinance as proposed. If it declines to do so, then the city must place the proposal on the ballot for voters to decide.
AG Paxton Leads 11-State Coalition in Brief to Prevent Texas from Becoming a Sanctuary State for Abortions
“Unlawfully-present aliens with no substantial ties to the U.S. do not have a constitutional right to an elective abortion,” Attorney General Paxton said. “The lower court’s ruling contradicts U.S. Supreme Court precedent and harms the public interest because it incentivizes even more unlawful immigration. Texas must not become a sanctuary state for abortions.”
AG Paxton: 48 Texas Gas Stations Agree to Refund Consumers for Hurricane Harvey Price Gouging
“At the outset of Harvey, I made it clear that my office would not tolerate price gouging of Texans by anyone looking to profit from the hurricane,” Attorney General Paxton said. “The response to Hurricane Harvey showed the incredible generosity of Texans. These settlements should teach the few who take advantage of their fellow residents to follow the law in the future.”
AG Paxton Seeks Removal of 8 People Who Unlawfully Hold Positions on City of Austin’s Planning Commission
“It’s shameful that the city of Austin ignores the will of voters and its own city charter, allowing the planning commission to be controlled by eight real estate professionals who unlawfully hold seats on the board,” Attorney General Paxton said. “We’re seeking the court’s removal of all commission members whose appointments violate the two-thirds ”˜lay member’ requirement of the city charter.”