Relating to the regulation of abortion and related matters, including the repeal of certain abortion laws, a deposition request before filing certain civil actions, and municipal or county authority to prohibit movement.
Impact
If enacted, SB1521 would alter significant portions of the Health and Safety and Civil Practice and Remedies Codes, specifically those that impose restrictions on abortion practices. The bill removes civil and criminal penalties for individuals obtaining or assisting with abortions, thereby encouraging a more permissive legal environment regarding access to reproductive health services. Additionally, it is designed to prevent municipalities from enacting ordinances that would limit individuals' rights to travel for the purpose of obtaining an abortion, further federalizing the response to local government action on this issue.
Summary
SB1521 seeks to amend current abortion regulations and introduce provisions pertaining to travel assistance for individuals seeking abortions outside of Texas. The bill aims to repeal certain existing laws that regulate abortion, refining the legal framework surrounding abortion procedures. Furthermore, it provides guidance on the court procedures for depositions related to potential civil action in this context. Overall, the bill is seen as an initiative to liberalize certain existing abortion laws and alleviate potential legal hurdles for those seeking such services.
Contention
One area of contention surrounding SB1521 revolves around the balance of state and local authority over abortion regulations. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect individuals seeking abortions from restrictive local ordinances, while opponents fear that it may undermine local governments' rights to regulate based on specific community needs. Furthermore, there are concerns from various advocacy groups about the broader implications of repealing existing laws, especially regarding how this may affect protections and rights established under state law. Engaging with this bill will necessitate discussions on the intersection of reproductive rights, local governance, and state regulation.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 171. Abortion
Section: New Section
Civil Practice And Remedies Code
Chapter 20. Depositions
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 311. Code Construction Act
Section: New Section
Family Code
Chapter 151. Rights And Duties In Parent-child Relationship
Section: New Section
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Insurance Code
Chapter 1218. Coverage For Elective Abortion; Prohibitions And Requirements
Relating to the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion and the construction of abortion laws imposing penalties or liability on pregnant individuals.
Relating to the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion and the construction of abortion laws imposing penalties or liability on pregnant individuals.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to certain physician-specific comparison data compiled by a health benefit plan issuer, including the release of that data to physicians participating in certain physician-led organizations.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of associate physicians and the authority of an insured to select an associate physician under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license.