Texas AG sues Austin over out-of-state abortion travel

The Texas attorney general sued the city of Austin for allocating $400,000 in taxpayer funds to help local residents seek out-of-state abortions.

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the lawsuit Friday, alleging the Reproductive Health Grant violates a state constitution gift clause that prevents the government from using public money for an individual's benefit.

The city's one-time grant, which was approved by the Austin City Council in August, seeks to provide financial support for airfare, gas reimbursements, hotels, ride reimbursements, child care stipends, companion travel and food. 

“No city in Texas has the authority to spend taxpayer money in this manner,” Paxton said in a statement.

Paxton called the effort illegal and is seeking a temporary restraining order to pause the distribution of funds until a ruling is reached. Don Zimmerman, a former Austin council member, filed a lawsuit under the same allocation in August.

In regards to Paxton's case, an Austin city spokesman told The Hill they are "aware" of the filing and shared they have "successfully litigated this issue in the past." The city plans to respond to allegations through court channels.

Kirk Watson, the city's mayor, called the attorney general's effort an "exploitation of power."

"Texas women deserve better than to have their state and Ken Paxton attacking their fundamental freedoms," Watson added.

Texas banned abortions in 2022 with certain exceptions including when the mother’s life is at risk. Since then, thousands have traveled out of the area seeking the medical procedure, according to The Texas Tribune.

Updated at 4:21 p.m.