Source: http://tx.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20190529_0000309.WTX.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2020-05-26 21:16:56
Document Index: 298218648

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 636', '§ 1915', '§ 1915', '§ 1915', '§1915', '§ 1915']

FindACase™ | Heimlich v. State
Heimlich v. State
EDMUND BRYAN HEIMLICH
THE STATE OF TEXAS, et al.
Before the Court is Edmund Bryan Heimlich's Complaint (Dkt. No. 1) and Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Dkt. No. 2). The District Court referred the above-motion to the undersigned Magistrate Judge for a determination pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and Rule 1(c) of Appendix C of the Local Rules.
After reviewing Heimlich's Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis, the Court finds that he is indigent. Accordingly, the Court HEREBY GRANTS Heimlich's in forma pauperis status and ORDERS his Complaint be filed without pre-payment of fees or costs or giving security therefor pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). This indigent status is granted subject to a later determination that the action should be dismissed if the allegation of poverty is untrue or the action is found frivolous or malicious pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e). Heimlich is further advised that although he has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, a Court may, in its discretion, impose costs of court at the conclusion of this lawsuit, as in other cases. Moore v. McDonald, 30 F.3d 616, 621 (5th Cir. 1994).
As stated below, this Court has conducted a review of the claims made in Heimlich's Complaint and is recommending his claims be dismissed under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e). Therefore, service upon the Defendants should be withheld pending the District Court's review of the recommendations made in this report. If the District Court declines to adopt the recommendations, then service should be issued at that time upon the Defendants.
Because Heimlich has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, the Court is required by standing order to review his Complaint under §1915(e)(2), which provides in relevant part that “the court shall dismiss the case at any time if the court determines that . . . the action or appeal (i) is frivolous or malicious; (ii) fails to state a claim on which relief may be granted; or (iii) seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief.” 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2).
Heimlich is suing the State of Texas “by and through” Texas Senator Juan Hinojosa, requesting the Court to Order Juan Hinojosa to amend Senate Bill 2080 to include a line item appropriating $1, 593, 000 for the payment of restitution allegedly due to Heimlich. Heimlich asserts he has a Final Judgment entered by a state court district judge on October 3, 2005, in the principal amount of $660, 605.74 due to him from the State of Texas (presumably the difference between this amount and the larger amount addressed in the complaint is attributable to post-judgment interest). Heimlich seems to assert that the failure to appropriate this money constitutes a violation of the Takings Clause of the United States Constitution. It also appears he asserts a Due Process violation based upon the state courts' application of the statute in his case. Heimlich maintains he is entitled to injunctive relief as he will suffer irreparable injury if he does not receive this money, as he is older, unemployed, and has not worked because he has spent his energy attempting to collect from the State of Texas. He also requests habeas corpus relief.[1]
Under the Eleventh Amendment, a state may not be sued in federal court unless it consents to suit or unless Congress, pursuant to a valid exercise of its power, abrogates the state's immunity. Pennhurst State Sch. & Hosp. v. Halderman, 465 U.S. 89, 99-100 (1984). Eleventh Amendment immunity extends to state agencies and to state officials if the relief sought would operate against the state. Id. at 101. Heimlich sues the State of Texas and Texas Senator Juan Hinojosa in his official capacity. Hinojosa is entitled to Eleventh Amendment immunity from the official capacity claim because “the state is the real, substantial party in interest.” Pennhurst, 465 U.S. at 101; Union Pac. R. Co. v. Louisiana Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 662 F.3d 336, 340 n.3 (5th Cir. 2011) (per curiam). Accordingly, absent Texas's consent, Congress's abrogation of the immunity, or the suit falling within the Ex Parte Young exception, Heimlich's suit is barred by the Eleventh Amendment.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ex Parte Young exception applies to cases seeking prospective injunctive or declaratory relief against a state official. Ex Parte Young, 209 U.S. 123 (1908). Heimlich attempts to posit his suit as one seeking prospective injunctive relief, contending that he is asking the Court to enter an affirmative injunction requiring the Texas Legislature to pass a particular version of the SB 2080, which is an appropriations statute. Ex Parte Young only permits &ldquo;prospective injunctive relief to prevent a continuing violation of federal law&rdquo; against state officers in their official capacities and does not allow damages or other retrospective relief. Green v. Mansour, 474 U.S. 64, 68 (1985). While Heimlich purports to only request injunctive relief, in reality he is requesting that the Court order the State to pay him monetary damages. Thus, the exception to Eleventh Amendment immunity under E ...