District Attorneys in Texas Challenge AG Paxton’s New Reporting Requirements
DALLAS – District attorneys from major Texas urban areas have officially filed lawsuits against the attorney general’s office, contesting new rules that they argue are unconstitutional and overreaching. The changes, announced last month, mandate district and county attorneys representing populations over 400,000 to submit detailed "performance reports" and various case files to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office. This rule currently affects 13 of Texas’ 254 counties.
Attorneys from Dallas, Bexar, and Harris counties have dubbed the regulations "expansive, improper, and unconstitutional," filing their lawsuit in Travis County District Court with a request for a temporary injunction. Similar legal actions have emerged from Travis and El Paso counties. Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot condemned the rules, citing a violation of the separation of powers and asserting that the requirements could obstruct justice and strain resources—potentially costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Paxton, however, defends the rules as necessary for transparency and accountability, claiming they will help the public identify failing prosecutors who allow dangerous individuals to evade justice. He argues that the new measures are crucial in ensuring district attorneys fulfill their responsibilities to public safety.
In particular, the reporting requirements will obligate prosecutors to disclose internal policies and financial management of civil forfeiture funds. Non-compliance could result in charges of official misconduct.
Separately, attorneys from Travis and El Paso counties emphasize that the rules threaten both confidentiality for vulnerable populations and the financial integrity of their offices, estimating initial compliance costs at $3 million. They express concern over the impact on victims and advocate’s roles, criticizing Paxton’s portrayal of dissenting DAs as "rogue."
As legal battles unfold, the implications for Texas law enforcement and community safety remain a focal point of debate.
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