Some Republicans agree with Paxton. Others do not.
However, the ban has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers who argue that it is counterproductive. They believe that allowing firearms would increase public safety rather than jeopardize it. Some GOP members have suggested that the State Fair should adopt a “gun-free zone” status, similar to courthouses and airports.
In court filings, Paxton asserts that the private fair organizer operates under the city’s authority and, as such, cannot legally ban firearms on city-leased land. On the other hand, city and fair officials argue that the City of Dallas has no control over how the nonprofit operates the event, maintaining that the gun ban is a legitimate and independent decision by the fair organizers.
Paxton’s 2016 Opinion Changes
Paxton’s legal battle is complicated by an opinion his office issued in 2016, which is now being scrutinized.
In 2016, Paxton’s office ruled that private entities leasing government-owned land could post notices banning guns without fear of legal repercussions, provided the government had no influence over that decision.
