Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Workforce Commission has initiated an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and related entities. The probe responds to potential contraventions of the Texas Fair Housing Act.

Governor Abbott emphasized the state's commitment to safeguarding freedoms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, notably religious freedom. "Texas vigorously safeguards the freedoms granted to American citizens in the U.S. Constitution, including the freedom of religion," Abbott stated. He noted that the Texas Workforce Commission is scrutinizing the entities behind the proposed EPIC compound to see if there were breaches of the state fair housing laws, particularly any refusal to engage in property transactions on the basis of religion or other protected characteristics.

In a broader effort to address concerns linked to EPIC, the Governor outlined several state-level investigations and actions. These include the Texas State Securities Board examining potential financial harm inflicted on Texans, the Texas Funeral Service Commission issuing a cease-and-desist letter pertaining to unlawful funeral services, and the Attorney General of Texas scrutinizing possible violations of consumer protection laws.

The announcement follows Governor Abbott's earlier disclosure that multiple state agencies are conducting inquiries into alleged illicit activities associated with EPIC and its affiliates.