Ken Paxton

The Legislature authorized the Behavioral Health Executive Council to take disciplinary action against social workers who refuse to perform an act or service within the scope of their licenses solely because of the recipient’s age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color, or political affiliation.  The Council adopted a rule changing the word “sex” to “gender” and authorizing disciplinary action for refusal of service based on disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

Application of Natural Resources Code section 81.066 to Railroad Commission’s authority to address oil and gas equipment noise in annual strategic plan

Application of Government Code section 3000.002 to paint color and pattern requirements adopted by political subdivisions

Application of Texas Constitution article XVI, section 40 and the common-law doctrine of incompatibility to simultaneous service as county sheriff and municipal fire marshal

Property Code chapter 203 authorizes the county attorney to independently enforce land use restrictions in counties with populations over 200,000

Application of Business and Commerce Code subsection 20.05(a)(5) to a self-funded plan with a reference-based-pricing program that does not utilize a provider network

Use of public improvement district assessments in particular circumstances

Ector County’s compliance with chapter 387 of the Local Government Code, regarding creation of a county assistance district

Driver’s license requirement to operate golf carts on public road

The Utilities Code gives “complete authority” to the Public Utility Commission to adopt and enforce rules relating to reliability and accounting for the production and delivery of electricity among market participants.  Specifically, subsection 39.151(d) of the Utilities Code authorizes the Public Utility Commission to oversee and investigate the independent organization (ERCOT) as necessary to ensure ERCOT’s accountability and to ensure that it adequately performs its functions and duties.