HOUSTON, Texas– District Attorneys from Williamson and Fort Bend counties filed a lawsuit on May 16 challenging new reporting regulations imposed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The rules, effective April 2, require counties with populations over 400,000 to submit detailed performance reports and grant access to case files.
The lawsuit argues that Paxton’s rules are unconstitutional, overreach his authority, impose financial burdens, and threaten prosecutorial independence. Similar lawsuits have been filed by other counties, reflecting widespread opposition.
Paxton’s office has yet to comment. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between state oversight and local prosecutorial autonomy and could have lasting impacts on governance and accountability in Texas criminal justice.
The court has not yet set a hearing date.