Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intends to appeal a Dallas County judge’s ruling regarding the State Fair of Texas’ new gun policy. On Thursday, Judge Emily Tobolowsky denied Paxton’s request for a temporary injunction that would have halted the fair’s firearm ban, citing a lack of evidence that the new rule violated any laws.
During the hearing, state attorneys did not immediately confirm whether they would appeal, nor did they provide comments to reporters afterward. However, later that same afternoon, Paxton’s office filed a notice to appeal with the 15th Court of Appeals, signaling a shift in the legal proceedings.
The legal battle began after fair organizers announced on August 8 that they would enhance security measures and limit who could carry firearms on the fairgrounds. This decision follows a shooting at last year’s fair, where a man injured three people. Previously, individuals with valid handgun licenses were allowed to carry concealed firearms at the fair. However, under Texas state law, residents no longer need a permit to carry firearms in public.
With the State Fair of Texas set to run from September 27 to October 20, Paxton’s office requested an accelerated appeal. The case will be heard in the newly established 15th Court of Appeals, which the Texas Legislature created last year to handle cases involving state laws, business disputes, and constitutional challenges. Governor Greg Abbott appointed three justices to the Austin-based court, which began its inaugural term on September 1.
Dallas city officials have clarified that they were not involved in the decision to implement the new gun policy at the fair. The nonprofit organization that runs the State Fair of Texas leases Fair Park from the city for the annual event.
In his lawsuit, filed on August 29, Paxton sued the State Fair of Texas, the city of Dallas, and interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, arguing that the gun restriction is unlawful and infringes upon the rights of gun owners.