Bruck Named in Lawsuit Filed By Texas AG

KINGSTON – Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck announced that he has been named in a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for upholding New York State’s landmark Shield Law. The suit stems from Bruck’s refusal to docket a summary judgment against a local doctor accused in Texas of prescribing mifepristone via telehealth to a Texas resident.

“As Acting Ulster County Clerk, I take my responsibilities and the oath I swore with the utmost seriousness. Today, I was sued in my official capacity for upholding New York State’s Shield Law, which protects providers of reproductive health care. While pending litigation limits what I can share, I want to make clear that it is an honor to serve Ulster County in this role, and I am especially grateful to do so at such a critical moment for our County, our State, and the protection of fundamental rights under New York law.”

Bruck formally rejected Paxton’s filings in March, invoking New York’s Shield Law—a first-of-its-kind action by a County Clerk in the state. Earlier this month, Paxton’s office attempted to resubmit the same filings and issued an arbitrary July 16 deadline for Bruck to reverse his decision.

In a July 9 letter to Paxton’s office, Bruck was unequivocal:
“That rejection stands. Resubmitting the same materials does not alter the outcome. While I’m not entirely sure how things work in Texas, here in New York, a rejection means the matter is closed.”

He signed the letter with a one-word reminder of New York’s values: Excelsior.

Bruck’s March decision made him the first County Clerk in New York to enforce the Shield Law, which protects providers of reproductive health services from out-of-state civil and criminal actions. His actions have earned praise from Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and local leaders across New York State.