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Paxton lawsuit against Elgin over 2022 marijuana initiative resolved

Voters in Elgin approved a measure in 2022 that eliminated enforcement of low-level marijuana offenses, but it hasn't been enforced as it conflicts with state law.

AUSTIN, Texas — A lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the city of Elgin over a voter-approved ordinance to eliminate enforcement of low-level marijuana offenses has been resolved through a consent decree.

Voters in Elgin approved the measure in 2022, with it receiving 75% of the vote. However, officials with the city said that both they and the Elgin Police Department never attempted to enforce the ordinance because it conflicted with state law.

Elgin City Manager Thomas Mattis called the litigation "a ridiculous waste of public resources solely for political purposes."

“This is the correct business decision for the City to dispose of this unnecessary litigation,” Mattis said. “It is very important, however, that we do not forget what Ken Paxton said about the City of Elgin and its residents.”

RELATED: AG Ken Paxton sues Texas cities, including Austin, for decriminalizing weed

In a January press release announcing the filing of the lawsuit, Paxton called Elgin city officials and Elgin voters “pro-crime extremists deliberately violating Texas law and promoting the use of illicit drugs that harm our communities.”

“This litigation was a ridiculous waste of public resources solely for political purposes,” Mattis said. “Had the AG’s office made a little effort to work together, their issues could have been easily addressed over a year ago, but they were very focused on filing this lawsuit against the citizens of Elgin.”

The consent decree allows the dispute to be resolved without an admission of guilt or liability on either side. Officials said it will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

RELATED: Marijuana decriminalization advocates say Paxton is going against the will of the voters in challenging local policies

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