Dallas Halts Enforcement of Voter-Approved Marijuana Decriminalization Amid State Lawsuit

Dallas has temporarily halted enforcement of Proposition R, a voter-approved charter amendment that decriminalized possession of less than four ounces of marijuana and prohibited police from using the odor of marijuana as probable cause. The pause follows a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argues the local ordinance conflicts with state law and has sought a permanent injunction. The city filed a joint motion with Paxton's office for a temporary injunction after a Texas appeals court ruled against similar decriminalization measures in Austin and San Marcos. While the measure had strong voter support, its enforcement is blocked pending the court's final ruling, and city officials are cooperating with the legal process. Supporters of Proposition R emphasize its potential to reduce racial disparities in low-level drug arrests and allow police to focus on more serious crimes, whereas critics, including Paxton, maintain cities cannot override state drug laws. The trial date for the lawsuit has not yet been set.