Paxton Pursues Texas School Districts to Enforce Ten Commandments Law

May 7, 2026 – Ken Paxton announced a sweeping statewide investigation into multiple Texas Independent School Districts (ISDs) to ensure compliance with recently enacted laws requiring the display of the Ten Commandments and formal consideration of prayer in public schools.

The investigation focuses on adherence to Senate Bills 10 and 11, both passed during the 89th Texas Legislature and effective as of September 1, 2025. SB 10 mandates that public schools display donated copies of the Ten Commandments that meet specific criteria, while SB 11 requires school boards to vote on whether to establish designated times for prayer or reading religious texts.

Paxton stated that his office is committed to enforcing what he describes as students’ “fundamental right to pray” and ensuring schools uphold what he called the nation’s moral foundation. His office has formally requested documentation from districts, including proof of board votes related to prayer policies and records showing whether the Ten Commandments are being displayed in classrooms.

The ISDs currently under investigation include: Alamo Heights ISD, North East ISD, Austin ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Lackland ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Houston ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, Plano ISD, Northside ISD, Conroe ISD, Galveston ISD, Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Lubbock ISD, Wichita Falls ISD, McAllen ISD, Amarillo ISD, El Paso ISD, Corpus Christi ISD, United ISD, Texarkana ISD, Victoria ISD, Waco ISD, Abilene ISD, San Angelo ISD, Brownsville ISD, and Beaumont ISD.

Several of these districts were previously involved in litigation challenging SB 10. That case concluded when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the law’s constitutionality, allowing it to take effect statewide.

The investigation signals a broader push by the Attorney General’s office to enforce the new requirements and ensure uniform compliance across Texas schools.