DA Garza Fights Texas AG Over Secret $115K Security Fund Records

In an effort to avert the disclosure of records concerning a confidential $115,000 security allocation that Travis County District Attorney José Garza received earlier this year, he has initiated a lawsuit against the Texas Attorney General's Office. Following Attorney General Ken Paxton's October decision that Garza and the Travis County Auditor's Office must disclose certain records requested by the KVUE Defenders as part of their investigation, the lawsuit was filed.

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The matter is the result of an August report by the KVUE Defenders, which revealed that Travis County commissioners had secretly authorized the security funding for Garza's home improvements. Paxton and transparency advocates, among others, contended that the decision was unlawfully implemented without adequate public notification.

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In October, the commissioners reviewed the agenda item in response to transparency concerns and unanimously voted to approve the $115,000 financing with a more transparent public record. Commissioner Margaret Gomez observed that the purpose of this action was to formalize the initial decision and ensure compliance with public meeting laws. Bill Aleshire, a former judge, observed that this action was implemented solely subsequent to the disclosure of the violation.

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Garza's lawsuit asserts that the disclosure of particular documents could jeopardize his safety and violate his right to protection. Commissioners and County Judge Andy Brown, who advocated for the funding, have declined to provide additional commentary on the matter, despite numerous inquiries. The fund does not disclose the nature of the expenses it covers.

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