Aug. 19, 2025 — The Ulster County Legislature voted 14-8 on Tuesday to amend the 2025 county budget and appropriate $50,000 to hire outside legal counsel to defend Acting County Clerk Taylor Brook against a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton alleging improper cross-border enforcement of a reproductive-health judgment.

The appropriation came after more than an hour of public testimony, mostly in support of the clerk, and a protracted legislative debate about whether the county’s insurer should handle the defense and whether New York State should provide funding. Supporters argued Brook acted under New York law; opponents warned of potentially large costs and urged delay until the insurer and state weighed in.

Public supporters who spoke at the legislature’s public-comment period urged the legislature to back the clerk. Amy Fraden told lawmakers, “I strongly support the proposed funding for defense of our acting clerk and the office he leads,” and added that “doctors must be protected and the government offices such as the county clerk who preserve and protect our laws deserve robust defense as well.” Joan Mandel said Brook had “rejected the outrageous attempts of the Texas attorney general … to interfere with and supersede New York State's shield law.” Multiple other residents — including Liz Dineshno, Steve Bush, Charlotte Grama, Margo Leverett, Laura Donovan and Rachel Evans — urged passage, saying the shield law protects patients and providers and that the county should defend an official acting under state law.

During the floor debate, legislators raised three recurring issues: (1) whether the county’s insurance carrier has been tendered the matter and if it will provide defense and indemnity; (2) whether New York State should cover or assist the county, because the statute at issue is state law; and (3) the potential long-term cost if the dispute proceeds through federal courts. Legislator Patrick Nolan said the appropriation would “give us an option” to hire counsel other than the insurer’s lawyer, noting specialized expertise may be needed. Legislator John Harmon urged the legislature to ensure “the most robust legal defense for our employee” and said seeking outside counsel is routine in high‑stakes matters. Minority Leader Roberts and others urged a short postponement while awaiting the insurer’s decision; that 30‑day postponement motion was defeated 8-14.

The county attorney confirmed the case had been tendered to the carrier but said the carrier had not yet issued a coverage decision. The resolution as adopted authorizes the appropriation and the county to retain outside counsel as needed; the motion text on the floor described the measure as “amending the 2025 Ulster County budget to appropriate funds to hire a civil rights attorney, county clerk.” The adopted resolution does not itself name a firm or attorney and does not allocate beyond the initial $50,000; further appropriations would require additional legislative action.

Supporters argued the appropriation stabilizes the county’s options while coverage and state participation are clarified; critics said the legislature should wait for an insurer determination and for potential state assistance before committing county funds. The resolution passed 14-8. The clerk’s office and county attorney indicated they had tendered the matter to the county’s insurer; if the carrier accepts defense, the county will have the option of using the insurer’s counsel or hiring other counsel under the resolution’s terms.

The case remains active in the courts. The appropriation is intended to allow the county to assemble a defense promptly if needed; legislators said they may revisit funding if the carrier, the state, or other parties intercede.