Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a civil investigative demand to Seattle Children's Hospital, demanding data on all Texas patients traveling for care, despite having no jurisdiction there.
Once a Texas resident, always the property of Texas? Cannot think of a better way to absolutely and permanently dissuade potential employees of large companies from ever moving to Texas.
The hospital cannot turn over records without violating state law however the state can file charges against Paxton for threatening hospital workers in a state he has no jurisdiction in
I have to believe that the WA state government will get in on this. This is one of the more ridiculous things I've seen in my life. I know TX culture can be like this, I've been there many times due to having family there, but Paxton can't just make up the law, particularly interstate law, WTF?
Of all people, Ken Paxton is the one that belongs in jail and he still very well may end up there. His securities fraud trial is set for April 15th so there's still hope he could be cell mates with our orange friend.
So it turns out the Shield Laws weren't a 'hysterical' overreaction after all! The raging criminal sociopath that Texas put in charge of law enforcement is really going all out this month.
I’m no legal expert, but I would think that based on a number of things (patient confidentiality, interstate commerce laws, and most of all Washington’s own shield law) this is DOA and going nowhere. Still it is shocking and deeply upsetting that it is even being tried. Actually very little shocks me anymore, sadly. The extremism and hatred in the country right now almost knows no bounds.
My fear with this is that the impetus for doing this is to force it to the Federal courts and then up to the U.S. Supreme Court, and with the current court makeup, I'm worried that Texas might win that case. I really hope not, though.
Obstacles include HIPAA laws, constitutional assignment of interstate commerce to the federal government, and jurisdictional standing. It's hard to believe we're living in a world where this is a real threat, not just political posturing.
I just left Texas because of the increasingly terrible laws they're putting out against trans people. Soon as the holidays are over, I'm getting my new driver's license so I can hopefully avoid more of this sort of thing. Paxton is a monster.
It never feels right to "like" these reports--I wish there were a "thank you for sharing and highlighting this important information" button. As ever, I appreciate your work.
What the hell?! So, I guess the AG doesn't care about, oh, you know, HIPPA violations. The fact that they don't have any jurisdiction in other states but seem to think they do is highly disturbing. Did the AG just decide Texas is the federal govt now? SMH. Arrogant beyond belief.
I have found that it’s exhausting to be on the liberal side of pretty much everything in this country and around the world. I have always tried to be a positive person but with so many things that go against what I believe in, well I get very discouraged. I know that there are really good people who are trying to make things better, like you Erin, but I don’t know.
I mean they can *try*, but then it becomes a Cold War race for who’s better armed and better prepared: the dipshit inbreds they send after us or the more vigorously protective members of our community surrounding us.
This just shows that the highest profile crime in Texas is being a transgender child. These people need to be voted out of office come on Texas.
Trans person or immigrant at this rate
Right. Or pregnant person.
Once a Texas resident, always the property of Texas? Cannot think of a better way to absolutely and permanently dissuade potential employees of large companies from ever moving to Texas.
Appears to be what he's arguing
The hospital cannot turn over records without violating state law however the state can file charges against Paxton for threatening hospital workers in a state he has no jurisdiction in
I would really love to see something, anything, in terms of state pushback.
I have to believe that the WA state government will get in on this. This is one of the more ridiculous things I've seen in my life. I know TX culture can be like this, I've been there many times due to having family there, but Paxton can't just make up the law, particularly interstate law, WTF?
Of all people, Ken Paxton is the one that belongs in jail and he still very well may end up there. His securities fraud trial is set for April 15th so there's still hope he could be cell mates with our orange friend.
So it turns out the Shield Laws weren't a 'hysterical' overreaction after all! The raging criminal sociopath that Texas put in charge of law enforcement is really going all out this month.
I’m no legal expert, but I would think that based on a number of things (patient confidentiality, interstate commerce laws, and most of all Washington’s own shield law) this is DOA and going nowhere. Still it is shocking and deeply upsetting that it is even being tried. Actually very little shocks me anymore, sadly. The extremism and hatred in the country right now almost knows no bounds.
My fear with this is that the impetus for doing this is to force it to the Federal courts and then up to the U.S. Supreme Court, and with the current court makeup, I'm worried that Texas might win that case. I really hope not, though.
Obstacles include HIPAA laws, constitutional assignment of interstate commerce to the federal government, and jurisdictional standing. It's hard to believe we're living in a world where this is a real threat, not just political posturing.
I just left Texas because of the increasingly terrible laws they're putting out against trans people. Soon as the holidays are over, I'm getting my new driver's license so I can hopefully avoid more of this sort of thing. Paxton is a monster.
Legally, ethically, and morally, Seattle Children’s Hospital is obligated to (politely) tell AG Paxton to go fuck himself.
It never feels right to "like" these reports--I wish there were a "thank you for sharing and highlighting this important information" button. As ever, I appreciate your work.
What the hell?! So, I guess the AG doesn't care about, oh, you know, HIPPA violations. The fact that they don't have any jurisdiction in other states but seem to think they do is highly disturbing. Did the AG just decide Texas is the federal govt now? SMH. Arrogant beyond belief.
> Did the AG just decide Texas is the federal govt now?
I mean, pretty much yes, considering what else is going on now with their racist/anti-immigrant border control posturing.
I agree!
WA should issue a warrant for Paxton's arrest.
Won't work. His wife will drive him away in the getaway car as soon as they show up.
His wife or his mistress? I guess that's the benefit of having both.
Fucking hell...
I have found that it’s exhausting to be on the liberal side of pretty much everything in this country and around the world. I have always tried to be a positive person but with so many things that go against what I believe in, well I get very discouraged. I know that there are really good people who are trying to make things better, like you Erin, but I don’t know.
.... so there’s actually a chance Texas could win, and be allowed to hunt down trans people and women who have fled to other states?
I mean they can *try*, but then it becomes a Cold War race for who’s better armed and better prepared: the dipshit inbreds they send after us or the more vigorously protective members of our community surrounding us.
Well, that was quick. https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/12/21/seattle-children-hospital-texas-gender/
Prior to me publishing, there were two articles, both local.
Glad people are paying attention now. This is a huge deal.
You do a great job!
Thom Hartmann mentioned the great reporting you do to his listeners a week ago.