As the nation reels from George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants his office to have the authority to prosecute cases in which police kill. That currently falls to local authorities.
Ken Paxton
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Coronavirus in Texas
Three top Texas GOP officials who oppose expanding mail-in voting have each used it
Texas’ top Republican officials call absentee voting a recipe for fraud and are fighting efforts to expand it during the coronavirus pandemic. But the governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general have all used the option.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas Supreme Court: Lack of immunity to coronavirus alone isn’t enough for mail-in ballot
Although the court sided with state Attorney General Ken Paxton’s interpretation of what constitutes a disability, it indicated that it is up to voters to assess their health and determine if they meet the state’s definition, which could allow them to vote by mail.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Rising property values — and taxes — during an economic slump
Many Texas property owners are sweating potential increases in their taxes, which are based on property values that don’t reflect a pandemic, an oil price collapse or a slumping economy.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas appeals court allows expansion of voting by mail during ongoing legal fight
The appeals court ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that a lower court ruling expanding who can qualify for an absentee ballot during the coronavirus pandemic should have no effect while he appeals it.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas attorney general asks state Supreme Court to step into fight over voting by mail
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warns Austin, San Antonio, Dallas to loosen coronavirus restrictions
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Complaint filed over Texas AG Ken Paxton’s tactics to limit mail-in voting
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Splitting hairs in Texas, for politics and profit
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.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Top Texas officials denounce Dallas salon owner’s jail sentence for defying orders to close
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton said the seven-day jail sentence was excessive. Paxton called for her immediate release.