The latest Ken Paxton news from The Texas Tribune.
Ken Paxton, a Republican, wants the state's highest civil court to tell five counties — all under Democratic control — to follow his interpretation that fear of contracting the coronavirus isn't a legally valid reason for voters to request absentee ballots. Full Story
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Paxton's office said that there could be litigation if cities do not pull back coronavirus restrictions related to masks, sheltering in place and religious services. Full Story
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In a series of tweets and a public statement, Paxton said eligibility for absentee voting has not been expanded. But a state judge's order says otherwise. Full Story
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The governor and other top Texas officials love promoting the rule of law, but they also love good politics. The civil disobedience of a Dallas beautician forced them to choose a favorite — and maybe hurry changes in pandemic policy. Full Story
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton said the seven-day jail sentence was excessive. Paxton called for her immediate release. Full Story
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After Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would reopen large parts of the economy Friday, some local leaders argued that his orders were vague. Top state attorneys disagree. Full Story
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Property tax exemptions and sales tax holidays only offer savings for events like hurricanes or floods. Full Story
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Heather Artrip is one of hundreds of Texans whose plans regarding reproductive health have been cast into uncertainty in the wake of an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott barring any procedures that are not “immediately medically necessary.” Full Story
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As health care professionals beg for supplies to protect themselves from COVID-19 infection, a Texas company found a seller with at least 2 million masks and quietly offered them for sale at $6 each. Before the pandemic, they cost around $1. Full Story
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Abbott's order bans release without paying bail for inmates who are accused of or have been convicted in the past of violent offenses. Defendants with cash could still walk free. Full Story
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Attorney General Ken Paxton said this week that abortions should not be performed unless the mother's life is in danger, saying health care capacity needs to be preserved for COVID-19 patients. Full Story
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The high court is likely to take up the landmark health law for the third time this fall and issue a decision in 2021. Full Story
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An anti-abortion group and conservative elected officials have framed Tinslee Lewis' case as a "right to life" issue. But medical experts say continuing care is hurting the baby and doctors need protections to make these kinds of decisions. Full Story
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After Texas passed a law in 2017 allowing foster care agencies to cite sincerely held religious beliefs to deny placements to gay couples, California banned state-funded travel to the Lone Star State. Full Story
The attorney general's office is charged with defending state agencies when they are challenged in court. But Paxton will not defend a commission sued after it issued a public warning for a Waco judge who refuses to perform same-sex marriages. Full Story
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On this week’s TribCast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Jolie and Emma about the governor’s decision to opt out of the federal refugee resettlement program, the state’s hemp legalization fiasco and the latest in the Texas vs. Planned Parenthood fight. Full Story
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The Texas attorney general got a political gift in the form of a friendly request for his opinion: a chance to take a swipe at a political nemesis. Full Story
A legal opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that facilitating state employees' donations to Planned Parenthood falls under a 2019 state law prohibiting government entities from entering into "taxpayer resource transactions" with abortion providers or their affiliates. Full Story
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Tinslee Lewis' family plans to appeal the judge's decision, according to Texas Right to Life. Full Story
A panel on the conservative-leaning U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sent the lawsuit back to a district court in Texas to reassess how much of the Affordable Care Act can stand if the individual mandate must fall. Full Story
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