HOUSTON, Texas– The Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 33 on Thursday, a measure that prohibits the use of local government tax funds to support individuals traveling out of state for abortion services.
The bill now awaits final approval from the Texas Senate before being sent to Governor Greg Abbott for signing.
Senate Bill 33 aims to close what proponents describe as a loophole allowing cities to allocate tax revenue toward abortion-related travel assistance.
The bill passed mainly along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats opposing. The House debate featured arguments about the importance of upholding state abortion laws versus concerns over the potential health risks for women seeking abortions outside Texas.
If enacted, the bill will affect funding policies of Texas cities that currently allocate resources to nonprofit groups assisting residents with abortion-related travel.
Senate Bill 33 was introduced partly in response to cities like Austin, which have designated funds to help residents access abortion care outside Texas. The bill’s author, Senator Charles Perry, stated the measure is intended to ensure compliance with Texas’s pro-life policies.