Texas AG orders Austin to amend contract over ‘discrimination’ toward firearm companies
The city of Austin amended its contract with WEX Bank after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded that it stop contracting with companies that “discriminate” against firearm or ammunition companies in a June 16 letter. Texas Senate Bill 19, passed in 2021, requires that government ... The city of Austin amended its contract with WEX Bank after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded that it stop contracting with companies that “discriminate” against firearm or ammunition companies in a June 16 letter. Texas Senate Bill 19, passed in 2021, requires that government contracts over $100,000 must have a provision that confirms the...The city of Austin received the letter from the attorney general and began taking steps to comply with the law, according to a statement from City Council member Ryan Alter. “The city of Austin contacted WEX Bank on June 20 and requested that WEX Bank execute an amendment to its contract,” Gibson said. “WEX Bank submitted the signed amendment to the city of Austin on June 20, 2025. The amendment confirms compliance with applicable Texas law.”UT law adjunct professor Randall Erben said this law is one of several passed by the Texas Legislature that regulate the companies with which governments can enter into contracts. Among these are laws that prohibit contracts with companies that boycott energy companies, provide travel abortion services or discriminate against firearm entities.Texas agencies no longer required to divest from BlackRock Inc.