Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday ordered the state child welfare agency to investigate reports of “gender-transitioning procedures” as child abuse. The move came one day after Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a written opinion defining gender-affirming care as child abuse under state laws — and months after state lawmakers considered but did not pass similar bills when the Legislature met last year.

“This Paxton opinion means nothing if it’s not enforced,” said Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler. “The truth is, though, that we need a special session immediately to address this now that we have the backing of the attorney general’s office. We are not going to back down on this — this is a hill we are ready to die on.”

ACLU says the letter has no legal standing: