Dallas County can require masks, judge rules, siding against Gov. Greg Abbott

Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins can require masks in public schools, colleges and businesses, a state district judge ruled Wednesday -- siding against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Jenkins' latest court victory will more than likely be short-lived. Attorney General Ken Paxton is all but guaranteed to appeal the ruling from state District Judge Tonya Parker -- who blocked Abbott from enforcing his executive order that prohibits local mask mandates.

Abbott and Paxton have waged a legal war in recent weeks with cities, counties and school districts in Texas' major urban areas that have tried to require masks -- in defiance of the governor -- to tamp down the spread of COVID-19. The battles have caused a degree of confusion and whiplash as lower courts allow the mandates, only to be overruled by higher courts.

Ten days ago, the Texas Supreme Court -- the state's highest civil court -- halted Dallas County's mask mandate. Jenkins then insisted the mandate was still in place, though the Supreme Court took away his ability to fine businesses that flout his order.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is a non-profit, non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.