CNS News–Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against five Texas cities — Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton — to overturn local marijuana decriminalization ordinances that were approved by voters. Paxton’s lawsuits, filed on a recent Wednesday, argue that these local laws are in direct conflict with state statutes and constitutional provisions, thereby undermining statewide policy on drug enforcement.
The attorney general’s move is seen as a direct response to what he perceives as a disregard for state law by “pro-crime extremists” running these cities, who have advocated for and successfully passed decriminalization measures through local ballots in recent years. Paxton’s stance underscores a broader debate on the authority of local governments to set law enforcement priorities that diverge from state policies, particularly concerning the use of marijuana.
In addition to the current legal challenges, there is ongoing activism aimed at further expanding local decriminalization efforts in Texas. Organizations such as Ground Game Texas and Texas Cannabis Collective are in the process of gathering signatures to introduce marijuana decriminalization initiatives in additional cities, including Dallas and Lockhart, with Lubbock voters already set to consider a similar measure in May.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Five Cities Over Marijuana Policies Preventing Enforcement of Texas Drug Laws: https://t.co/EOPQa9mxBy
— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) January 31, 2024
Critics of Paxton’s lawsuits, including Julie Oliver of Ground Game Texas, argue that these legal challenges undermine the democratic process and the ability of cities to prioritize law enforcement resources effectively. They also highlight Paxton’s legal controversies, suggesting that the lawsuits may serve as a diversion from his own legal and political troubles.
The decriminalization policies in question generally prevent local police from arresting or issuing citations for low-level cannabis possession offenses, except in cases tied to high-priority investigations. This approach aligns with a growing trend across various jurisdictions to reconsider and reform cannabis laws in light of shifting public opinion and the need to address racially biased law enforcement practices.
Despite the passage of decriminalization measures in several Texas cities, the state legislature has been less receptive to cannabis reform, with several bills stalling in the Senate after passing the House of Representatives. This legislative inertia stands in contrast to public sentiment, as recent polls indicate broad support among Texas voters for decriminalizing marijuana and revisiting the state’s cannabis laws.
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The ongoing legal battles and legislative debates in Texas reflect a complex interplay between local autonomy, state authority, and evolving attitudes toward marijuana policy, setting the stage for continued discussions on the best path forward for cannabis reform in the state.