AUSTIN, Texas– Two Texas district attorneys filed a lawsuit Friday against Attorney General Ken Paxton, challenging new administrative rules that require prosecutors in larger counties to submit performance reports and case files to the state.
The lawsuit, filed by prosecutors from Travis and El Paso counties, alleges that the rules exceed the attorney general’s authority and impose an undue burden on local prosecutorial offices.
The regulation applies to counties with populations over 400,000 and took effect last month.
Under the new rules, district and county attorneys must submit detailed reports outlining case outcomes and other performance metrics, along with select case files, to the Attorney General’s office.
Paxton has framed the rules as a measure to improve transparency and address what he has called “rogue” prosecutors.
The plaintiffs argue that the mandates infringe on prosecutorial discretion and interfere with the independence of local offices.
They claim the requirements add administrative burdens that could hinder their ability to focus on core legal responsibilities.
The Attorney General’s office has not commented on the lawsuit.