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PASSEDHarris County Commissioners Court · 2026-02-26

The County Attorney brought a settlement order before the Court — discussed in closed session — in a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Rowena Ward on behalf of herself and the estate of Rory Ward, Jr. against Harris County, and the Court approved the settlement.

What it means for you

Harris County will settle a federal lawsuit brought by the family of Rory Ward, Jr.; the settlement terms are not detailed in the public record.

Outcome

A motion was made by Commissioner Ellis, seconded by Commissioner Garcia, that this item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: (4-0)

How each member voted

Lina Hidalgo (County Judge): AbsentRodney Ellis (Commissioner, Precinct 1): AyeAdrian Garcia (Commissioner, Precinct 2): AyeTom S. Ramsey (Commissioner, Precinct 3): AyeLesley Briones (Commissioner, Precinct 4): Aye

40, per the official record.

Official source

Official meeting record — Harris County Legistar ↗

The record includes an individually-attributed vote for this item, shown above.

District A — Amy PeckADistrict B — Tarsha JacksonBDistrict C — Joe PanzarellaCDistrict D — Carolyn Evans-ShabazzDDistrict E — Fred FlickingerEDistrict F — Tiffany ThomasFDistrict G — Mary Nan HuffmanGDistrict H — Mario CastilloHDistrict I — Joaquin MartinezIDistrict J — Edward PollardJDistrict K — Martha Castex-TatumK

Official council district boundaries · City of Houston GIS. Tap a district to see who represents it.

Quick answersfrom the official record
Who benefits?Rowena Ward, individually and on behalf of the Estate of Rory Ward, Jr.Legistar record ↗
Who decides?Decided by a vote of the Harris County Commissioners Court. County Attorney brought it forward. Taken up at the February 26, 2026 meeting Adopted.Legistar record ↗
The official caption doesn't name a dollar amount or who pays for it — full details in the official Legistar record ↗

Cite this: https://plaindocket.com/item/real-hc26-1483-181241 — data from official records via PlainDocket.