Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5510

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs, and to the destruction of certain property; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a private civil right of action.

Impact

Under HB5510, significant changes would be seen in the state's approach to abortion laws. New criminal offenses would be established, and a private civil right of action would be authorized, allowing individuals to file lawsuits against those who distribute or facilitate access to abortion-inducing substances. This could have vast implications for healthcare providers, internet service providers, and any parties involved in such actions. The statute is designed to enforce the state's anti-abortion stance aggressively, potentially deterring abortion services due to increased legal risks and financial liabilities.

Summary

House Bill 5510, known as the Women and Child Protection Act, aims to expand the legal framework surrounding abortion in Texas. It includes provisions for civil liability regarding the distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and introduces stringent regulations targeting both providers and those who assist or facilitate abortions. The bill details definitions for terms related to abortion and stipulates that anyone involved in the distribution, possession, or facilitation of an abortion-inducing drug could be held liable under the new regulations. This sets a foundation for substantial legal repercussions tied to abortion-related activities.

Contention

The proposal has been a subject of contention, especially concerning its implications for women's rights and healthcare practices. Opponents argue that HB5510 could create a chilling effect on healthcare providers who may fear litigation or criminal charges for practicing lawful medicine. Additionally, the qui tam actions allowed under the bill might encourage private citizens to pursue lawsuits as a means to act against abortion-seeking individuals or organizations, raising ethical concerns about vigilante justice and the erosion of patient-provider confidentiality. These elements are likely to provoke significant legal challenges and societal debate surrounding reproductive rights in Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 171. Abortion
    • Section: New Section

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 27. Actions Involving The Exercise Of Certain Constitutional Rights
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 110. Religious Freedom
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 171. General Arbitration
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

  • Chapter 71. Organized Crime
    • Section: 02

Companion Bills

TX SB2880

Identical Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.

Previously Filed As

TX HB22

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.

TX HB36

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.

TX HB111

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.

TX HB2690

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.

TX HB3588

Relating to an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX SB78

Relating to the provision of an abortion-inducing drug.

TX HB4876

Imposing liability on those who perform or assist unlawful abortions.

TX HB5087

Relating to the regulation of abortion, including abortion complication reporting and the repeal of certain laws prohibiting abortion.

TX HB2538

Relating to the repeal of provisions related to notice and consent to an abortion on a minor.

Similar Bills

TX HB22

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.

TX HB36

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.

TX HB111

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.

TX HB2690

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.

TX HB991

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.

TX HB66

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.

TX SB2880

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB65

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.