Judge Dismisses Texas AG Lawsuit Against San Marcos

A Hays County District Judge dismissed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's lawsuit aimed at forcing San Marcos to reinstate marijuana possession arrests, following the city's successful decriminalization initiative under Proposition A, which was supported by nearly 82% of voters in 2022. The ordinance, backed by various advocacy groups, effectively ended misdemeanor-related arrests and citations for marijuana possession up to four ounces, though exceptions exist for felony-related cases. Paxton criticized the local measure as an infringement on state law, claiming it promotes illicit drug use, but the court ruled that the state had not suffered any injury from San Marcos' policy change. Similar cases involving other Texas cities, such as Austin, have also been dismissed, reinforcing local autonomy in marijuana law enforcement. As Paxton plans to appeal the decision, advocacy groups celebrate the ruling as a victory for community rights against state interference.