AG Paxton Congratulates Employee on Winning Prestigious Award
“Shelley Dahlberg’s sound judgment, keen instincts and work ethic make her a natural leader,” Attorney General Paxton said. “She is a model of professional excellence, a master of trial and appellate skills and a mentor to hundreds of lawyers who have dedicated their talents to public service.”
AG Paxton Calls on EPA to Suspend and Review Unlawful Regulations Harmful to Texans
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging it to suspend, review and reconsider Obama-era EPA regulations that Texas challenged in 12 lawsuits that are still pending against the federal agency. The letter was sent Monday in response to a request for comments from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.
OAG’s Child Exploitation Unit Arrests Williamson County Man for Possession of Child Pornography
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced yesterday that the Child Exploitation Unit (CEU) of his office arrested 55-year-old Joe Lawrence Islas, of Round Rock, on three counts of Possession of Child Pornography, a third-degree felony. Islas could face up to 10 years in prison per charge if convicted.
AG Paxton Intervenes in Lawsuit to Protect Religious Freedom of Montgomery County Judge Wayne Mack
“The lawsuit against Judge Mack is an affront to religious liberty and yet another attempt to push religious expression from public life. The commission’s prayer practice, like Judge Mack’s courtroom prayer, is completely consistent with our nation’s history of protecting religious expression.”
AG Paxton: Texas Joins 17-States Filing Amicus Brief to Support School Rights
“Schools are facing the potential loss of federal funding all because local educators are exercising the authority to implement common-sense policies that best protect their students’ privacy, safety and dignity,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Texas has led the fight to prevent the Department of Education from unilaterally rewriting federal law. Title IX permits schools to maintain separate facilities, including bathrooms and locker rooms, and the 4th Circuit should recognize this principle.”
AG Paxton Applauds Court Ruling Affirming Dallas’ Rejection of Pornography Convention
“It is vital that governmental entities have the ability to exclude sexually-oriented businesses from property that they own,” Attorney General Paxton said. “The City of Dallas, through its democratically-elected officials, rightfully decided that its convention center and taxpayer monies should not be home to an event where obscenity and criminal activity occurs.”
AG Paxton: City of Brownsville Agrees to Repeal Plastic Bag Fee
“I’m pleased that the city of Brownsville agreed to stop taxing its citizens through an unlawful bag fee,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Cities and municipalities in Texas are obligated to follow the rule of law. And in this case, a law passed by the Legislature clearly prohibits a sales tax on bags.”
AG Paxton Files Lawsuit to Uphold Constitutionality of Texas Sanctuary Cities Law
“SB 4 is constitutional, lawful and a vital step in securing our borders,” Attorney General Paxton said. “SB 4 guarantees cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement to protect Texans. Unfortunately, some municipalities and law enforcement agencies are unwilling to cooperate with the federal government and claim that SB 4 is unconstitutional.”
AG Paxton Statement Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order on Free Speech and Religious Liberty
“Recently, Governor Abbott and I called on Congress to pass the Free Speech Fairness Act. That legislation will fully restore the freedom of churches to participate in political debates by removing a 60 year old provision of the IRS code ”“ the Johnson Amendment ”“ which threatens churches with the loss of their tax-exempt status if they take a stand on legislation or candidates. Today’s executive order by President Trump is an important first step to protect our country’s first liberty ”“ religious liberty. By enacting the Free Speech Fairness Act (H.R. 781 and S. 264), we can guarantee that the voices of churches and people of faith reclaim their rightful place in our democracy.”
AG Paxton Hails Victory Over Stream Protection Rule
“Fighting federal overreach and protecting Texas sovereignty is a cornerstone of my office,” Attorney General Paxton said. “We are grateful to solidify yet another victory for Texans. We will continue to fight rules that trample state sovereignty and displace hardworking men and women.”