AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing scrutiny after requesting Seattle Children's Hospital to hand over records pertaining to gender-affirming treatment potentially given to children from Texas. The court filings indicate that Paxton, a staunch conservative, is reportedly going beyond state borders in his investigation of transgender healthcare.

Seattle Children's Hospital responded by filing a lawsuit in Austin, Texas, seeking to invalidate or narrow Paxton's requests. The hospital argues that Paxton's office is overstepping its jurisdiction and lacks the authority to request such records. They also claim that the demands represent an unconstitutional attempt to interfere with interstate commerce and travel.

Texas is among more than 20 states that have implemented laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Court records on Friday indicate that no decision has been reached yet regarding the Seattle hospital's lawsuit.

In November, Seattle Children's Hospital received a request from Texas, and the lawsuit includes a copy of the letter from Paxton's office. The letter asks the hospital to produce records identifying medication administered to Texas children, the number of Texas children who received treatment, and documents outlining the standard protocols or guidance followed for treatment.

Ashley Speller, a spokesperson for Seattle Children's Hospital, stated that the hospital complies with the law and sought legal intervention to protect private patient information related to gender-affirming care services.

Earlier this year, Paxton's office also sought information from Dell Children's Hospital in Texas regarding its policies on puberty blockers and patient referrals for treatment or counseling. The attorney general's office aimed to examine hospital records to determine if any state laws had been violated or if misrepresentations had been made to parents and patients.

Texas implemented restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, preventing them from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and transition surgeries. However, medical experts point out that surgical procedures on children are rarely performed. The law also mandates that children on banned medications be gradually weaned off in a medically appropriate manner.

The lawsuit from Seattle Children's Hospital is part of a broader movement wherein Democratic-led states have implemented legislation to safeguard the rights of transgender minors seeking gender-affirming care. This comes in response to conservative efforts in other states attacking transgender rights and imposing limitations or bans on gender-affirming treatments.

Paxton's office has yet to respond to requests for comment on the case.