Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced that the Fifteenth Court of Appeals has extended restraining orders against Robert Francis O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People. The extension prevents the distribution of financial payments to Texas Democrats who left the state during a legislative session.
“In a welcome development, the Fifteenth Court of Appeals has decided to extend the restraining orders I won, stopping Robert Francis O’Rourke from using his Beto Bribes to pay off Texas Democrats for breaking quorum,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Democrats abandoned Texas at the behest of financial backers who promised them money for fleeing the state and abdicating their responsibilities. Texas is not for sale, and Beto must face justice for his illegal bribery scheme.”
Earlier, the court had ordered a stay in a mandamus petition from O’Rourke, which paused proceedings in Tarrant County District Court and would have allowed temporary restraining orders to expire. With this new order, those restraining orders will remain in effect while litigation continues. The decision also bars O’Rourke, Powered by People, and associated partners such as ActBlue from moving property or funds out of Texas.
The full order can be read online.
