Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against Harris County's "guaranteed income" program, which he believes violates state law. Paxton filed for emergency relief with the Supreme Court of Texas to block the program, which had previously been the subject of a temporary injunction sought by the Office of the Attorney General.
"Harris County’s guaranteed income scheme plainly violates the Texas Constitution," said Attorney General Paxton in a statement. He said that the program goes against the state's laws that forbid the granting of public money or value to individuals. The program in question would provide $500 cash payments to 1,928 residents for 18 months without any requirements, including not mandating recipients to be U.S. citizens.
Paxton had filed a lawsuit against Harris County in early April, aiming to challenge the legality of the program. The Attorney General criticized the county officials for allegedly misusing public funds and asserted that his office would continue to take steps to ensure accountability.
The Supreme Court of Texas is now tasked with considering the emergency relief request from the Attorney General's office, as the legal battle over Harris County's "guaranteed income" scheme continues to unfold.