AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Hutto Independent School District for allegedly using state resources to conduct illegal electioneering.
According to a release from his office, Paxton claimed Hutto ISD used official government resources to advocate for certain policies and measures on its social media accounts, which violates the Texas Election Code.
The lawsuit cited a social media post where the district said, “vouchers hurt our public schools.”
“The communication referenced above constitutes political advertising because it is a communication supporting or opposing candidates for nomination or election to a public office, or office of a political party or a measure and such communication has also appeared in written communication,” the lawsuit said.
According to Paxton’s release, he isn’t able to prosecute criminal violations of the Election Code because of the Court of Criminal Appeal’s decision in Texas v. Stephens.
So instead, he’s seeking civil injunctive relief.
“School districts should be aware that illegal electioneering is criminal conduct and violators could be subject to criminal prosecution by local authorities. While unable to criminally prosecute violators at this time, Attorney General Paxton is committed to using all available means to protect the integrity of Texas elections,” the release said.
Hutto ISD’s response
In a statement sent to KXAN, Hutto ISD said it was surprised to learn of this suit by Paxton.
“At no time has the District used public resources to advocate for or against a candidate ballot measure or political party, in violation of state law. At Hutto ISD, our focus remains on empowering student success and advancing our district. We’re committed to enhancing every student’s journey towards excellence.”
Hutto ISD
This is part of an ongoing effort by Paxton to crack down on the wave of illegal electioneering across the state, according to the release.
Other districts include:
- Castleberry ISD
- Denton ISD
- Frisco ISD
- Denison ISD
- Huffman ISD
- Aledo ISD
Hutto ISD is now the seventh Texas school district to be sued for similar acts in the last few weeks.