The State of Texas ex rel. George Darrell Best, Petitioner v. Paul Reed Harper, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' judgment, holding that the removal petition is a legal action subject to the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA), that only the state’s official‑misconduct allegation is an "enforcement action" exempt from the TCPA, and that sovereign immunity does not bar Harper’s claim for appellate costs, attorney’s fees, and sanctions. The Court also held that the appeal is not moot because the fee claim breathes life into the case.