Texas Senate Bill SB291

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 12/16/22

Caption

Relating to the applicability of certain laws to assistance provided to an individual in obtaining an abortion outside of this state.

Impact

The passage of SB291 could significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding abortion access in Texas. By providing explicit protections for those assisting individuals seeking out-of-state abortions, the bill aims to not only ensure compliance with Texas law but also to encourage an environment where individuals feel supported in making their own reproductive choices. This legislation could prompt further debates regarding the state's stance on abortion and the extent to which it regulates or influences citizens' decisions regarding reproductive health.

Summary

Senate Bill 291 aims to clarify the legal position surrounding assistance provided to individuals seeking abortions outside of Texas. By amending certain sections of the Health and Safety Code, the bill explicitly states that providing assistance, whether direct or indirect, for traveling out of state to obtain an abortion does not constitute a violation of existing laws. Furthermore, it establishes that no civil actions can be brought against individuals who offer such assistance, thereby creating a legal safe harbor for those supportive of individuals exercising their reproductive rights. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2023.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB291 appears to be heavily divided. Proponents view the bill positively, seeing it as an important step towards supporting individual reproductive rights and protecting citizens from potential legal repercussions linked to assisting others in obtaining abortions outside the state. Conversely, opponents of the bill may perceive it as an endorsement of out-of-state abortions in direct response to increasingly restrictive abortion laws within Texas, thus igniting further moral and ethical debates regarding reproductive health rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of allowing assistance for out-of-state abortions within the framework of existing Texas laws. Critics may argue that the bill undermines state sovereignty in regulating reproductive health and could lead to complexities in enforcement. The bill’s provisions may also provoke discussions about the broader implications for healthcare providers, legal advisors, and those involved in reproductive assistance, raising questions about state enforcement versus individual rights.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 170. Prohibited Acts Regarding Abortion
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 171. Abortion
  • Section: New Section