Primary Department: County Attorney
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Abbie Kamin, County Attorney
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Financial Authorization
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the County Attorney for approval to file a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture in continued litigation over Federal Government Reorganization Plans.
end
Background and Discussion:
Pursuant to the authority granted by Commissioners Court on February 6, 2025, Harris County joined litigation challenging federal reorganization plans involving large-scale reductions in force. A recent court ruling determined that the claims involving the United States Department of Agriculture must be filed in a separate lawsuit. Although we disagree with the ruling, a standalone case is now being pursued, and Harris County may have an opportunity to participate in that action. In an abundance of caution, this request seeks authority for the County to continue its involvement in the litigation, including participation in the separate lawsuit, as necessary.
Expected Impact: N/A
Alternative Options: N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: N/A
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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2/6/25 |
134 |
Order Authorizing litigation against federal government to challenge Trump Administration Executive Orders |
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County Attorney’s Office Legal Review (for Harris County Code Items only) |
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Anticipated Court Date: 9/17/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Sarah Utley, Managing Counsel- Environmental and Affirmative & Special Litigation Divisions, County Attorney’s Office; Kelsey Bowdoin, Administrative Supervisor, County Attorney’s Office
Attachments (if applicable):