Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has successfully obtained a temporary administrative stay from the Supreme Court of Texas (“SCOTX”) to halt Harris County's distribution of public money through its controversial "guaranteed income" program. The program, which provided $500 cash payments for 18 months to selected residents with no citizenship requirements, was deemed to violate the Texas Constitution.
Attorney General Paxton took legal action against Harris County, arguing that the program went against the state constitution's prohibition on granting public money to individuals. Despite initial denials from the trial court and court of appeals for a temporary injunction, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) filed an emergency motion with SCOTX to pause the payments while the case is being reviewed.
In response to the SCOTX's decision, Attorney General Paxton expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I’m pleased the Supreme Court of Texas has blocked Harris County from disbursing these unlawful payments." He emphasized his commitment to upholding the constitution and preventing what he called an "egregious misuse of taxpayer money."
The Supreme Court of Texas has ordered Harris County to respond to the OAG's motion by April 29 as the legal battle over the "guaranteed income" program continues to unfold.