Paxton opens investigations into 29 Texas ISDs over Ten Commandments law

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into 29 Texas school districts to ensure schools display the Ten Commandments in classrooms in accordance with Texas law.

This comes after the federal appeals court’s April 21 decision support controversial Texas law requiring public school districts to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, laying the groundwork for a potential school board Supreme Court fight.

“School districts in Texas must comply with Texas law by displaying the Ten Commandments and obtaining a school board vote on the implementation of prayer time in schools,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will never stop defending the religious freedom of our students and the moral foundations of our nation.”

Texas Ten Commandments law — SB 10 – Passed by the Legislature in the 89th session in 2025 and requires public schools to display donated copies of the Ten Commandments that meet certain specifications.

Schools also need to comply SB 11The law, passed in 2025, requires school boards to vote on whether to implement a designated time for prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, school districts were required to provide evidence of the board vote on implementing SB 11. The requests submitted to these schools also require them to provide documentation regarding the display or absence of the Ten Commandments and their policies regarding SB 10.

Which Texas school districts are under investigation?

Here is a list of the 29 school districts under investigation:

This ISD list includes those previously involved in ongoing litigation related to SB 10, according to the AG’s office.

Mateo Rosiles is a Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and regional newspapers in Texas. Do you have any news for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Paxton investigates Texas school districts over Ten Commandments