Texas AG Ordered To Testify After Fleeing Subpoena

The Texas Tribune reports:

A federal judge has ordered Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to testify in an abortion rights lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman had previously quashed the subpoena, which Paxton fled his home to avoid being served. In a hearing last week, lawyers representing abortion rights nonprofits asked Pitman to reconsider and require Paxton to testify. Pitman granted their motion on Tuesday.

These nonprofits, called abortion funds, brought the lawsuit in August, seeking assurance that they will not be criminally or civilly penalized for helping Texans pay for abortions out of state. They have argued that Paxton’s statements on social media and in the press make it clear that the state’s top lawyer believes the abortion funds can and should be prosecuted for their work over state lines.

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Ken Paxton is an embarrassment to Texas. More than that, he is dangerous for Texas. Our top law officer should be held to a higher standard, not be our lowest point.

Texans deserve an Attorney General who will uphold the law — not one who runs from it.https://t.co/ksFBC3cHXZ

— Rochelle Garza (@RochelleMGarza) October 4, 2022