Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Denton and four other cities, challenging their policies of decriminalizing marijuana. The lawsuit asserts that these municipalities do not have the legal authority to implement such policies under state law, as announced by the AG’s office on Wednesday.
I will not stand idly by as cities run by pro-crime extremists deliberately violate Texas law and promote the use of illicit drugs that harm our communities,” Paxton said in his press release. “This unconstitutional action by municipalities demonstrates why Texas must have a law to ‘follow the law.’ It’s quite simple: the legislature passes every law after a full debate on the issues, and we don’t allow cities the ability to create anarchy by picking and choosing the laws they enforce.
Ground Game Texas, a leading organization in the movement to decriminalize minor marijuana possession in various cities, including those targeted by Paxton’s lawsuits, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to their cause. It is important to mention that they have also undertaken a related initiative in Dallas, showcasing their proactive engagement in promoting these measures.
Ken Paxton’s lawsuits represent an antidemocratic assault on the constitutional authority of Texas Home Rule cities to set local law enforcement priorities,” Julie Oliver, executive director of Ground Game Texas, said in a statement. “In each of the cities sued, a supermajority of voters adopted a policy to deprioritize marijuana enforcement to reduce racially biased law enforcement outcomes and save scarce public resources for higher priority public safety needs.
Oliver believes that Paxton’s recent actions are a deliberate attempt to distract from his legal troubles and diminishing influence.
Asked if she thinks the cities will put up a fight in court, Oliver said: “I would expect the cities should fight for their voters. You have to remember, that every one of these initiatives passed anywhere from 64% of the vote to 85.5% of the vote. So, I would expect that cities will honor the will of their voters and defend these policies within their cities.”
The legalization of cannabis in several states has opened the doors for millions of Americans to consume it on a regular basis. However, there have been recent lawsuits filed against the city of Austin and its neighboring suburbs, including San Marcos, Killeen, and Elgin. Another suburb, Denton, which is located near Houston, is also being targeted in these legal actions.
The Attorney General’s office recently revealed that they filed a lawsuit, arguing that municipalities do not have the necessary authority to take such actions under state law.
Republicans in the state are once again flexing their power by filing a lawsuit aimed at curtailing the home rule authority of Democratic cities. This move is part of an ongoing battle between the two political parties, with Republicans seeking to limit the autonomy of cities governed by Democrats.
The state legislature has recently implemented two important laws to strengthen law enforcement and support business development. One of these laws focuses on reducing the discretion of district attorneys when it comes to prosecuting offenses, particularly low-level drug crimes. The second law aims to address any local regulations that could potentially hinder businesses operating within the state. These legislative actions demonstrate the government’s dedication to enhancing law enforcement initiatives while also creating a favorable environment for businesses to thrive.
- A significant development has taken place on the legal front regarding marijuana in the United States. Surpassing the halfway mark, more than half of the American population now resides in states where marijuana has been made legal for recreational purposes.
- As of now, medical marijuana has been legalized in 38 states across the United States, unfortunately, Texas is not one of them.
- According to a recent Gallup poll, public support for the legalization of marijuana extends beyond political affiliations. The survey reveals that a significant majority of individuals across the political spectrum show their support for legalizing the drug. Specifically, the study found that 87% of self-identified Democrats, 70% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans were in favor of legal marijuana. These findings indicate a broad consensus among Americans regarding the need to explore new approaches to marijuana legislation.
- A significant development has taken place on the legal front regarding marijuana in the United States. Surpassing the halfway mark, more than half of the American population now resides in states where marijuana has been made legal for recreational purposes.
- As of now, medical marijuana has been legalized in 38 states across the United States, unfortunately, Texas is not one of them.
- According to a recent Gallup poll, public support for the legalization of marijuana extends beyond political affiliations. The survey reveals that a significant majority of individuals across the political spectrum show their support for legalizing the drug. Specifically, the study found that 87% of self-identified Democrats, 70% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans were in favor of legal marijuana. These findings indicate a broad consensus among Americans regarding the need to explore new approaches to marijuana legislation.
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