GBEF wins temporary injunction in landmark litigation for business owners in Texas

COURT BLOCKS TEXAS COMPTROLLER’S HUB PROGRAM CHANGES, AFFIRMING LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY AND RULE OF LAW

Judge grants temporary injunction, finding executive overreach and immediate harm to Texas businesses

AUSTIN, Texas (April 13, 2026)— A Travis County District Court today granted a temporary injunction blocking Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock’s recent changes to the state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, ruling that the executive branch cannot unilaterally rewrite a law passed by the Legislature.

In her order, Judge Amy Clark Meachum of the Travis County District Court made clear that the Comptroller overstepped his authority. “It is well settled law that the executive branch enforces the law but cannot alter pre-existing law,” the court wrote.

The court further found that the Comptroller “lacks the authority to determine the constitutionality of the HUB Act” and that the rule changes would cause “immediate, irreparable injury” to affected businesses.

The ruling inGlobe Express Trucking Inc., et al. v. Kelly Hancock, et al.halts enforcement of the Comptroller’s emergency regulations and restores the HUB program to its pre-December 1, 2025 status for the plaintiffs unless and until the law is changed by the Legislature or ruled unconstitutional by a court.

“This is a clear and unequivocal statement that the Comptroller violated the law,” said Alphonso David, President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum and co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs. “Judge Meachum affirmed what we have argued from the beginning: the executive branch cannot rewrite laws passed by the Legislature. This is a victory for the rule of law and for the thousands of businesses whose livelihoods were put at risk.”

The injunction currently applies to the six named plaintiffs, though the court acknowledged the ruling may raise broader legal questions for similarly situated businesses.

“That’s why this case matters beyond Texas,” said Adam Schuman of Petrillo Klein + Boxer LLP, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs. “What’s at stake is whether state officials can bypass legislatures and entrench those decisions through rulemaking—and today, the court made clear the answer is no. The Comptroller violated the law, and the executive branch cannot override the Legislature.”

What’s Next

The court set a final trial for November 9, 2026, as the case continues through the legal process. Attorneys noted that the State is expected to appeal the court’s ruling, meaning the legal fight is far from over.

Plaintiffs and their supporters are encouraging businesses, advocates, and stakeholders to continue following the case closely and to support ongoing litigation efforts as they work to defend the integrity of the HUB program and the rule of law.

The Global Black Economic Forum, Freedom Economy, and American Pride Rises are supporting the litigation alongside a coalition of business and civil rights organizations.