I was digging around in the Texas statutes looking for anything that might define the power of the police officers or firemen to issue “lawful orders.” While I haven’t found the legal basis for these orders yet (although I did find the statute requiring a citizen to assist a peace officer in apprehending a criminal or serving a warrant if requested), I did come across this interesting tidbit in the Government Code:


     § 557.021. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
         (1) "Communist" means a person who commits an act reasonably calculated to further the overthrow of the government:
            (A) by force or violence; or
            (B) by unlawful or unconstitutional means and replace it with a communist government.
        (2) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.
        (3) "Government" means the government of this state or any of its political subdivisions.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

    § 557.022. RESTRICTIONS. (a) The name of a communist may not be printed on the ballot for any primary or general election in this state or a political subdivision of this state.
    (b) A person may not hold a nonelected office or position with the state or any political subdivision of the state if:
        (1) any of the compensation for the office or position comes from public funds of this state or a political subdivision of this state; and
        (2) the employer or superior of the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is a communist.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

    § 557.023. ENFORCEMENT. The attorney general, a district or county attorney, the department, and any law enforcement officer of this state shall enforce this subchapter.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.