Texas Supreme Court pumps brakes on Harris County guaranteed income program after Paxton challenge

The Supreme Court of Texas ruled on Tuesday that Harris County cannot distribute taxpayer money through its "guaranteed income" program.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office said the "temporary administrative stay" will apply for an interim period.

Paxton had sued Harris County in early April over the program, describing it as a "welfare scheme that violates the Texas Constitution."

Paxton's office noted that the state Constitution does not allow “any county, city, town or other political corporation or subdivision of the State … to grant public money or thing of value in aid of, or to any individual.”

According to Paxton's office, the "Harris handout program" had selected 1,928 residents who would receive $500 cash payments for 18 months. Those residents are not required to be U.S. citizens.