AUSTIN – Texas Governor Greg Abbott and state Attorney General Ken Paxton said Wednesday that the state has filed a mandamus petition in the 5th Court of Appeals to strike down mask requirements issued by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
Paxton told WBAP/KLIF News that he is confident the case will make its way to the Texas Supreme Court.
A Dallas County District Judge granted a temporary restraining order filed by Jenkins against Governor Abbott’s ban on mask mandates by local governments.
Governor Abbott said that any school district, public university, or local government official that decides to defy the order will be taken to court.
“Under Executive Order GA-38, no governmental entity can require or mandate the wearing of masks,” said Governor Abbott. “The path forward relies on personal responsibility—not government mandates. The State of Texas will continue to vigorously fight the temporary restraining order to protect the rights and freedoms of all Texans.”
Under the Dallas County emergency order, masks are required inside all schools, county buildings, and businesses that are open to the public.
Copyright 2021. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.
