Controversy in Texas: New Reporting Mandates for DAs Criticized as Burdensome and Costly
In a recent statement, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales criticized a new proposal from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as “burdensome, unnecessary, and potentially very costly” to residents. The proposal, aimed at district and county attorneys in Texas counties with populations exceeding 250,000, would grant Paxton the power to remove prosecutors who fail to submit additional reports on specific cases. This additional reporting requirement focuses on instances where individuals arrested for violent offenses are not indicted, as well as cases involving the indictment of poll watchers or peace officers.
Gonzales expressed concerns that complying with these new mandates would divert critical resources from the courtroom to clerical duties, thus undermining the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office’s primary mission of public safety and accountability. He highlighted that his office already fulfills reporting obligations to the Office of Court Administration regarding case outcomes.
Announced earlier in the week, Paxton’s office framed the rule as a means to enhance transparency and accountability, targeting district attorneys whom Paxton accuses of failing to prosecute criminals effectively, thereby causing “unthinkable damage” in Texas communities. The proposed rule was officially filed with the Secretary of State in late February and was published in the Texas Register on March 8, initiating a 30-day period for public comment. Following this phase, Paxton could potentially enact the rule, introducing a significant shift in how large Texas counties manage and report on legal proceedings, amidst concerns over the practical and financial implications for local jurisdictions.
