Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee Files Amicus Brief in Texas Supreme Court Cases Related to Local Mask Mandates
Houston, Texas (August 14, 2021) – Late Friday night, the Texas Supreme Court indicated it would review the Dallas County Judge and Bexar County/San Antonio mask mandate cases on an expedited basis. The Court requested Bexar County/San Antonio and the Dallas County Judge submit briefings by 5 p.m. Saturday, August 14.
Today, the Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee filed with the Texas Supreme Court —in the Bexar County/San Antonio and Dallas cases—a brief opposing the Governor’s mask mandate prohibition, and explaining the dire COVID-19 situation in Harris County.
“This was a very quick turnaround, but we were able to make sure Harris County’s voice was heard before the Texas Supreme Court makes its decision in two similar cases. Their decision has the potential to impact local governments and residents across the state. I hope the court reads the Disaster Act thoroughly, interprets it in good faith, and reins Governor Abbott in.”
It is unclear when the Texas Supreme Court will rule on the Dallas County Judge and Bexar County/San Antonio cases, but the court’s request for briefing on such a short timeline indicates it will make a decision soon.
About the Harris County Attorney’s Office
Christian D. Menefee was elected as County Attorney for Harris County in November 2020. The office represents the largest county in Texas in all civil legal matters, including lawsuits.