May 27, 2016 2:04 PM

Smith: Texas Agencies’ “Hush Money” Settlements May Not Bind Employees to Silence

From the Left: QR’s Liberal Columnist Glenn W. Smith argues that state employees forced to sign hush money settlements can’t be bound by agreements that are illegal for the state of Texas to enter into.

Texas state agency leaders, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and Land Commissioner George P Bush, you’d better watch out. All those potential whistle blowers you paid for their guaranteed silence? Under the law, they are probably free to reveal whatever secrets you are trying to hide.

If a party to a contract is legally prohibited from entering into such a contract, other parties cannot be bound by the terms. In case you didn’t know, it’s likely illegal for the state to use taxpayer money to pay hush money to employees.

In recent weeks, investigations by the Dallas Morning News and the Houston Chronicle have uncovered a widening scandal at multiple state agencies.

By Glenn W. Smith