Enforcement Actions Against 15 Online Investment Scammers
Commissioner Announces Series of Sweeping Actions Against Fifteen Online Crypto, Forex and Binary Options Investment Scammers.
Press Release
Securities Commissioner Travis J. Iles announced a series of enforcement actions against fifteen fraudulent online investment scammers.
The first emergency cease and desist order names ten internet investment platforms and links one individual - James Blundell - to the scheme to broadly promote fraudulent investments. Blundell, purportedly a resident of Seabrook, Texas, is accused of using numerous social media accounts – including at least three Instagram accounts, seven Facebook websites and one Linkedin profile – to recruit victims. . . more
The second emergency action names three online platforms - Binary Trade Forex, FX Trades and IQTrade – and accuses them of falsely purporting to operate from Valentine, Texas. These three online platforms are allegedly recruiting investors by illegally promoting investments in forex, binary options and cryptocurrency pay lucrative rates of return. The order alleges they are fraudulently claiming these investments are guaranteed and using fake testimonials add credibility to their schemes. . . more
The third order names GenuisPlanFxPro, a cryptocurrency, binary option and forex investment platform falsely claiming it operates from Austin, Texas – just several miles from the agency’s offices. It alleges GenuisPlanFxPro is also falsely claiming its investment is regulated as e-gaming and licensed and regulated by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. Moreover, GenuisPlanFXPro is also attempting to add additional legitimacy to its scheme by falsely claiming to be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. . . more
Project Veritas Uncovering Organized Election Fraud in Bexar County
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the organized election fraud scheme exposed in today’s Project Veritas video is already under review by investigators from the Texas Election Fraud Unit.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the organized election fraud scheme exposed in today’s Project Veritas video is already under review by investigators from his Election Fraud Unit.
“What’s shown in the video is shocking and should alarm all Texans who care about election integrity. We are aggressively investigating the serious allegations and potential crimes that Project Veritas’s documentary audio and video recordings shed light on today. My office is fiercely committed to ensuring that the voting process is secure and fair in all Texas elections—a process that this video unfortunately casts a shadow of doubt on,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Election integrity has been a top priority of mine since I first took office in 2015. Anyone who attempts to defraud the people of Texas, deprive them of their vote, or undermine the integrity of elections will be brought to justice and penalized to the fullest extent of the law.”
Individuals involved with or aware of the alleged election fraud shown in the recording are encouraged to come forward and cooperate with the Office of the Attorney General.
Texas Updates Mental Health Resource Website
This online resource is available for people seeking mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis hotline numbers, local mental health authorities, as well as information about common behavioral health conditions and social services from multiple government agencies.
Press Release
AUSTIN – To better serve Texans seeking mental or behavioral health assistance, the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council is launching its redesigned Mental Health Texas website, mentalhealthtx.org, linking people to available local resources in one website.
“By redesigning our one-stop shop for behavioral health resources we’re speeding up the process for Texans to access the services they need,” said Sonja Gaines, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services. “Helpful behavioral health services exist across more than 20 state-funded agencies in addition to other behavioral health resources and this website brings those critical resources together in one place.”
This online resource is available for people seeking mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis hotline numbers, local mental health authorities, as well as information about common behavioral health conditions and social services from multiple government agencies. Behavioral health resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic are also available on the website.
“When someone is in the midst of crisis, the last thing they need is to feel overwhelmed by where to go for help,” said State Sen. Jane Nelson. “The newly updated mentalhealthtx.org will help Texans quickly locate the care they need.”
Enhancements to the website include guidance to people seeking help for themselves or loved ones on selecting the right provider and access to resource documents and provider trainings. New content also features information on common topics such as suicide, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychosis, trauma, substance use, depression, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, the behavioral health information and resources are organized in a user-friendly format by population groups: children, teens, veterans, and seniors. In addition to resources, the website contains a calendar of behavioral health public events.
“The most important feature of this website is its capacity for hosting the resources of so many organizations, ensuring easier access to behavioral health resources in a way that respects the rich diversity of our great state,” said Danette Castle, CEO of the Texas Council of Community Centers.
The site was launched by the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to provide a single place to learn about behavioral health services available through the council’s member agencies.
For more information, visit mentalhealthtx.org.
"Ready. Check. Vote." Coming to South Texas
The "Ready. Check. Vote." grassroots tour will travel approximately 3,000 miles and visit 46 cities across the Lone Star State, beginning September 10th and ending October 8th.
Press Release
(PHOTO: Office Of The Texas Secretary Of State, 9/10/2020)
AUSTIN – Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs today announced a new statewide grassroots tour as part of the "Ready. Check. Vote." initiative to safely educate Texas voters about what they need to bring to the polls when they cast their ballot. The contactless tour will utilize a 16-foot box truck that is wrapped in attention-grabbing messaging in both English and Spanish that will generate awareness and direct voters to VoteTexas.gov, the State of Texas' official election website. There, Texans will find the seven approved forms of photo identification and what to do if they do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these seven forms.
“Although COVID-19 may have changed how we approach outreach, it has not changed our commitment to ensuring that Texas voters are informed, prepared, and ready to cast their ballot,” said Secretary Hughs. “This contactless grassroots tour will help educate Texas voters on the approved forms of photo ID and ensure that Texans are able to make their voices heard this November.”
The "Ready. Check. Vote." grassroots tour will travel approximately 3,000 miles and visit 46 cities across the Lone Star State, beginning September 10th and ending October 8th.
South Texas Dates:
Three Rivers – October 5
Corpus Christi – October 6
Kingsville – October 6
Texas voters who possess one of the seven approved forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls. Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID may execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form, available to them at each polling location, and provide a supporting form of identification. In addition, some voters may qualify for an exemption to presenting an acceptable form of photo identification or following the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure.
The seven forms of approved photo ID are:
Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)**
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport (book or card)
Voters with questions about how to cast a ballot in the upcoming November 2020 General Election can call 1-800-252-VOTE or visit VoteTexas.gov for more information.
FEMA approved the TWC's request for Lost Wages Assistance
The funding is through the week ending September 5, 2020 and may provide an additional $300 in payments to qualified claimants.
Press Release
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) request for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) funding for the week ending September 5, 2020. This funding provides for an additional $300 in payments to qualified claimants.
FEMA’s process for releasing funds does not line up exactly with TWC’s payment system. TWC must request the funds weekly and must ensure that funds are available each week before the $300 in benefits is released. Claimants should continue requesting payments on their scheduled payment request day.
Texas was one of the first states to apply and be approved. TWC will continue to provide Texas claimants with updates when FEMA approves requests for LWA funding. Since all states are drawing monies from the same fund, the exact date that FEMA funding will run out is not known.
Texas Officials Recommends big Tech to Stop Censorship of Freedom of Speech
“The improper expansion of Section 230, which was intended to promote free speech, competition, and enforcement of criminal laws online, has inflated to a point where it grants the largest companies in the world the ability to violate state laws, exclude rivals, and squash political speech,” said Attorney General Paxton.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a comment letter to Secretary Marlene Dortch of the Federal Communications Commission, supporting the National Telecommunications and Information Agency’s Petition (the Petition) to the Federal Communications Commission to clarify provisions of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 provides online platforms liability protection for third-party content posted on their sites, and for decisions by those platforms to moderate obscene, lewd, and similarly objectionable content. Overly broad judicial interpretations of Section 230, however, have threatened to expand that immunity to cover broad categories of misconduct by some of tech’s largest players that the plain text of Section 230 does not reach. As a result, the reforms and clarification provided by the Petition are necessary to protect states’ ability to enforce their laws and prevent undue censorship of protected speech.
“The improper expansion of Section 230, which was intended to promote free speech, competition, and enforcement of criminal laws online, has inflated to a point where it grants the largest companies in the world the ability to violate state laws, exclude rivals, and squash political speech,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Reforms must be made to ensure that states are empowered to properly enforce their laws. First Amendment rights, penalties for criminals, and transparency must be maintained for a truly free online community to operate and thrive.”
Read a copy of the letter here.
AG Paxton Issues Legal Guidance on School Reopening
Local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued guidance on the opening of local schools for the upcoming school year, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, responding to a request from Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien. While playing an important role in protecting the health of school children and employees, local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease. School officials, both public and private, are the appropriate ones to decide whether, when, and how to open school.
“Education of our children is an essential Texas value and there is no current statewide order prohibiting any school from opening,” said Attorney General Paxton. “While local health authorities may possess some authority to close schools in limited circumstances, they may not issue blanket orders closing all schools on a purely preventative basis. That decision rightfully remains with school system leaders.”
Read a copy of the letter here.
AG Paxton Defends Humane Treatment of Fetal Remains
The Fifth Circuit is currently considering a challenge to a Texas law requiring the humane treatment of fetal remains through interment or scattering of ashes.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a letter brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit addressing the impact of a recent decision from the United States Supreme Court that held unconstitutional a Louisiana law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The Fifth Circuit is currently considering a challenge to a Texas law requiring the humane treatment of fetal remains through interment or scattering of ashes. Abortion providers sued the State, seeking an injunction that permits them to treat the remains of unborn children as medical waste that is incinerated and placed in a landfill. But they have yet to provide any evidence that this law imposes a burden on women or prevents access to abortion.
“The abortion industry will go to extraordinary lengths to obscure the fundamental reality that the child in the womb is a human being. The requirement to treat the remains of unborn children with dignity and respect would do nothing to affect the availability of abortion in Texas,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that States have an interest in the lives of the unborn, and this Texas law serves to honor their dignity rather than treat them as medical waste.”
Today’s letter brief also asserts that abortion providers lack standing to sue on behalf of what they imagine their patients’ subjective beliefs to be and that the humane disposition of fetal remains does not create an obstacle to abortion access. Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a similar Indiana fetal-remains law, stating that the State had “legitimate interest in proper disposal of fetal remains,” and the humane disposition of remains is directly and rationally related to that interest.
Read a copy of the letter brief here.
AG Paxton: Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Abortion Law That Protected Women
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton today decried the United States Supreme Court for invalidating a Louisiana law that protects women by requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
Press Release
Front row, left to right: Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito. Back row: Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.
Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton today decried the United States Supreme Court for invalidating a Louisiana law that protects women by requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Today’s order effectively allows pro-abortion activists to eliminate basic, common sense health-and-safety standards designed to protect patients.
“The Supreme Court should have upheld this commonsense law. Instead, in striking down these basic health-and-safety regulations, the Supreme Court has allowed abortion clinics to endanger women. We are well aware of the dangers of an unprepared and unsanitary clinic. In the case of Kermit Gosnell, who killed and injured women in his filthy, substandard, unregulated clinic, enforced regulation could have saved countless lives,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Louisiana’s law is a common-sense measure that protects women’s health and safety from those who favor their bottom line over patients’ wellbeing. Every woman deserves to know that her doctor has the necessarily skills to treat them successfully.”
Read a copy of the opinion here.
Bars to close at noon and Restaurants Must Limit to 50% Capacity
The decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.
The order includes the following:
All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
Temporary Pause Of Reopening Phases
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that are permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
“As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,” said Governor Abbott. “The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. I ask all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others. The more that we all follow these guidelines, the safer our state will be and the more we can open up Texas for business.”
AG Paxton - Obamacare Unlawful
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton today filed a brief asking the United States Supreme Court to declare Obamacare unlawful in its entirety.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Paxton today filed a brief asking the United States Supreme Court to declare Obamacare unlawful in its entirety. At the heart of Obamacare is an individual mandate commanding Americans to purchase health insurance the federal government deems suitable. The Supreme Court upheld that mandate in 2012 because it included a tax penalty for noncompliance. In 2017 however, Congress eliminated that tax penalty—meaning the individual mandate at the center of Obamacare is unconstitutional.
“Congress declared in the text of the law that the individual mandate is the centerpiece of Obamacare. Without the unlawful mandate, the rest of the law cannot stand,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Obamacare has failed, and the sooner it is invalidated, the sooner each state can decide what type of health care system will best provide for those with preexisting conditions, which is the way the Founders intended.”
Last year, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit declared the individual mandate unconstitutional but did not decide the fate of the remainder of the Act. Today’s filing asks the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm that statutory text is supreme, and when the statutory text proclaims the individual mandate “essential,” then the remainder of the law cannot stand without the unconstitutional mandate.
Read a copy of the filing here.
Gov. Abbott Gives Mayors and County Judges to Impose Restrictions on Outdoor Gatherings
Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the ability of mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of over 100 people.
Press Release
AUSTIN – As COVID-19 cases rise in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the ability of mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of over 100 people. Previously, this applied only to outdoor gatherings over 500 people. The Governor has also directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to enact emergency rules that provide strict health and safety standards and procedures related to COVID-19 for child care centers in Texas. These two actions are based on data showing an increase in COVID-19 transmission stemming from large gatherings and child care centers.
“These are just some of the steps Texas will take to contain the rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Abbott. “Today’s proclamation and emergency rules will aid in that effort in two key ways: allowing restrictions on large gatherings where COVID-19 is easily spread and implementing a statewide standard of infection control for child care centers. However, as we face this challenge, there is no substitute for personal responsibility. I urge all Texans to do everything in their power to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus by wearing a face mask, washing their hands often, and staying six-feet apart from others.”
Wear A Mask On And Off The Field
Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Jaylon Smith released a new PSA entitled “Wear a mask on and off the field”.
AUSTIN - The Office of the Governor and Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Jaylon Smith today released a new public service announcement (PSA) entitled, "Wear A Mask On And Off The Field." In the PSA, Smith urges Texans to wear a mask to protect themselves and others and follow other important health and safety guidelines like washing your hands and practicing social distancing.
TRANSCRIPT:
"I wear a face mask every single day on the football field to protect myself. Now I’m switching it up to a different mask to protect myself and others around me. As we open up Texas, it’s crucial that we all do our part in this fight against COVID-19. So when you leave the house, make sure you wash your hands, make sure you practice social distancing, and last but not least, wear a mask. You be safe. Go Cowboys."
Texans may not claim disability based on fears of contracting COVID-19
Attorney General Ken Paxton issued another guidance letter to Texas county judges and election officials, warning that Texans may not claim disability based on fears of contracting COVID-19 to obtain a mail-in ballot.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Following recent decisions by the Texas Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Fifth Circuit, Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued another guidance letter to Texas county judges and election officials, warning that Texans may not claim disability based on fears of contracting COVID-19 to obtain a mail-in ballot. Due to inaccurate statements by public officials and private groups, Attorney General Paxton issued his first guidance letter on May 1.
“As the Texas Supreme Court held, mail ballots based on disability are specifically reserved for those who are legitimately ill and cannot vote in-person without assistance or jeopardizing their health. The Texas Election Code is lawful, constitutional, and correctly protects our elections from fraud and voters from disenfranchisement,” said Attorney General Paxton. “It is vital that we work together to preserve the integrity of our democratic election process and consistently follow the law established by our legislature.”
Today’s letter follows a Texas Supreme Court decision that held that a voter may not claim “disability” for the purpose of casting a ballot by mail merely because the voter lacks immunity to COVID-19. Additionally, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit found that Texas is likely to win arguments that the Election Code’s ballot-by-mail provisions are consistent with the Equal Protection Clause and the Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Following these rulings, the Texas Democratic Party and other groups filed a motion to dismiss their state court lawsuit this week.
Read a copy of the letter here.
Nolan Ryan Release New COVID-19 PSA: "Don't Be A Knucklehead"
"Don't Be A Knucklehead." Nolan Ryan encourages all Texans to follow effective health and safety protocols like washing their hands, social distancing, and wearing a mask.
Press Release
AUSTIN - The Office of the Governor and Baseball Hall-Of-Famer, Nolan Ryan today released a new public service announcement (PSA) entitled, "Don't Be A Knucklehead." In the PSA, Ryan encourages all Texans to follow effective health and safety protocols like washing their hands, social distancing, and wearing a mask.
TRANSCRIPT:
Hey everyone, Nolan Ryan here. As we open Texas for business, we all need to work together in the fight against COVID-19. As Texans, we need to be responsible. We need to be smart. So when you leave the house, don’t be a knucklehead. Wash your hands, socially distance yourself from others, and wear a mask. Do the right thing. Look out for your fellow Texans and together we’ll make it through this.