Paxton warns Austin ISD over alleged violation of Texas Women’s Privacy Act
Paxton warns Austin ISD over alleged violation of Texas Women’s Privacy Act
Publish Date: 2026-03-06 18:50:00
Source Domain: www.click2houston.com
Ken Paxton’s office has sent a legal notice to Austin Independent School District after receiving a complaint alleging violations of Senate Bill 8.
According to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the complaint claims both Austin ISD and Austin High School were aware that a biological male was using girls’ restrooms and locker rooms, which the state says would violate the law.
Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, prohibits state agencies and local government entities from allowing individuals assigned male at birth to use women’s private spaces in public facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms, according to the attorney general’s office.
The notice sent by the attorney general’s office warns the district that continued violations could result in a civil penalty of $5,000 per day if the issue is not addressed.
State officials say the notice is a required step before the office can file a lawsuit. Austin ISD now has 15 days to correct the alleged violation.
“I will work tirelessly to hold Austin ISD accountable if it does not stop its unlawful policy of allowing men to invade women’s spaces,” Paxton said in a statement. “The law is clear that political subdivisions in Texas must not allow biological men to use girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms.”
The attorney general added that his office will consider further legal action if the district does not comply with state law.
It was not immediately clear whether Austin ISD has responded to the complaint.
The complaint alleges that both Austin ISD and Austin High have been made aware that a biological male has been using girls’ restrooms and locker rooms, in direct violation of the law. S.B. 8 specifically bars any state agency or local government political subdivision from allowing men to invade women’s private spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms. The ISD has been advised that, under the law, there will be a $5,000 penalty per day going forward if the…
