Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2381

Filed
3/10/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/17/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/20/23  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the development of a webpage and mobile application for the provision of pregnancy-related resources and information.

Impact

If enacted, SB2381 will have significant implications for how pregnancy-related information is disseminated in Texas. The elaboration of a mobile-friendly webpage will obligate the commission, in coordination with the Department of Information Resources, to maintain a comprehensive list of resources that encompass legal aid, mental health support, and various services that a mother may require during and post-pregnancy. This will ensure mothers have access to tailored information based on their personal circumstances, thereby fostering a supportive environment for women in need.

Summary

Senate Bill 2381, introduced by Senator Paxton, aims to improve the accessibility of pregnancy-related resources through the development of a webpage and a mobile application on the Texas.gov portal. This initiative is designed to create a centralized platform where expectant mothers can find a wide range of support services, including mental health counseling, prenatal assistance, financial help, and information about alternatives to abortion. The goal is to provide a user-friendly and informative resource that empowers mothers with the necessary tools and information to navigate their pregnancy journey effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2381 appears to be largely positive among proponents, who argue that the bill will benefit mothers and families by streamlining access to crucial information and resources. Supporters, including representatives from organizations such as the Texas and New Mexico Hospice Organization and Texas Alliance for Life, have voiced their backing, emphasizing the bill's role in helping families manage unplanned pregnancies and showcasing extensive support options. However, the discussions may hint at underlying contention regarding the bill's approach, especially concerning sensitive topics like abortion, which could elicit diverse opinions from the public and legislators alike.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the information presented on the webpage, particularly concerning abortion. Critics may argue that the bill could contribute to an agenda that influences how pregnancy-related decisions are made. The provision that emphasizes alternatives to abortion and outlines abortion risks might be perceived as biased and could raise ethical questions about presenting such information in a state-funded resource. Therefore, while the intent behind SB2381 is to support expectant mothers, the complexities surrounding pregnancy choices could lead to polarized opinions about the appropriateness and impartiality of the resources provided.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB206

Relating to a webpage and mobile application for the provision of pregnancy-related resources and information.

TX HB2263

Relating to a webpage and mobile application for the provision of pregnancy-related resources and information.

TX SB76

Standing with Moms Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to disseminate information about pregnancy-related resources. Specifically, HHS must maintain a public website (life.gov) that lists such resources that are available through federal, state, and local governments and private entities. Additionally, HHS must maintain on its website a portal that provides a user, based on the user's responses to a series of questions, tailored information about pregnancy resources available in the user's zip code and risks related to abortion. HHS must develop a plan to conduct follow-up outreach to users of the portal (if the user consents to the outreach). States must recommend resources that meet criteria set by HHS for including through the portal. HHS may award grants to states to establish or support a system that aggregates resources to include on the portal. Further, the Health Resources and Services Administration must share information about life.gov and the portal through the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. HHS must also ensure that the life.gov website and hotline are available to families who speak languages other than English. The bill excludes from life.gov, the portal, and the hotline resources provided by entities that (1) perform, induce, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortions; or (2) financially support such entities. The bill also requires HHS to report on traffic to life.gov and the portal, gaps in services available to pregnant and postpartum individuals, and related matters.

TX HB688

Standing with Moms ActThis bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to disseminate information about pregnancy-related resources, including information about abortion risks and alternatives.Specifically, HHS must create a public website called life.gov that lists such resources that are available through federal, state, and local governments and private entities.Additionally, HHS must create on its existing website a portal that provides a user, based on the user's responses to a series of questions, tailored information about pregnancy resources available in the user's zip code and risks related to abortion. HHS must develop a plan to conduct follow-up outreach to users of the portal (if the user consents to the outreach). States must recommend resources that meet criteria set by HHS for inclusion in the portal. HHS may award grants to states to establish or support a system that aggregates resources to include in the portal.Further, the Health Resources and Services Administration must share information about the new website and portal through the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.HHS must also ensure that the new website and hotline are available to families who speak languages other than English.The new website, portal, and hotline may not include resources provided by entities that (1) perform, induce, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortions; or (2) financially support such entities.The bill also requires HHS to report on traffic to the new website and portal, gaps in services available to pregnant and postpartum individuals, and related matters.

TX HB3287

Pregnancy.Gov Act

TX SB74

Providing for Life Act of 2023 This bill revises various programs and supports for families and children related to taxes, health, and other benefits. First, the bill increases the child tax credit to a maximum of $3,500 per child ($4,500 per child under the age of six) and makes permanent the increased income threshold over which the credit phases out. The bill further eliminates the federal deduction for certain state and local taxes (SALT deduction) and makes the adoption tax credit refundable. The bill allows parents to use a portion of their Social Security benefits for up to three months of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Additionally, the bill requires Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to cooperate with states in establishing child support orders. It also provides additional workforce training for noncustodial parents with child support obligations. States must establish requirements for the biological father of a child to pay, at the mother's request, at least 50% of reasonable out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with the mother's pregnancy and delivery. The bill requires institutions of higher education to provide students with certain information about the resources and services (excluding abortion services) available to pregnant students. Additionally, the bill provides grants for community-based maternal mentoring programs and for pregnancy resource centers that do not provide abortions; requires the Department of Health and Human Services to publish a website with specified pregnancy-related information; and extends from one to two years the postpartum benefit eligibility period under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

TX SB1393

Pregnancy mobile application; promoting awareness of gov't. maternal & infant health programs, etc.

TX HB2526

Relating to pregnancy resources.

TX HB3535

Relating to pregnancy resources.

TX SB1457

Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program; pregnancy mobile application, report.

Similar Bills

CA AB602

False advertising: pregnancy-related services.

NJ S3545

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ A2145

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ S2522

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ A861

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ A5418

Requires pregnancy centers to disclose certain information in multiple languages.

SC H3504

Pregnancy CARE Act

SC H3012

Pregnancy CARE Act