Overview

• The Fifteenth Court of Appeals issued an Oct. 9 opinion allowing the state to pursue charter forfeiture claims against FIEL Houston.
• The ruling reversed a 2024 order that had blocked the lawsuit and directed the trial court to weigh the attorney general’s allegations.
• Paxton alleges the nonprofit engaged in prohibited political activity, citing posts discouraging votes for President Donald Trump and advocacy against immigration legislation.
• FIEL executive director Cesar Espinosa called the decision procedural, saying the case now returns to the lower court, and the group highlights its community services and voter engagement work.
• The decision tracks a broader trend after the Texas Supreme Court permitted Paxton to continue a separate probe of Annunciation House, leaving key constitutional questions for later stages.