Bill > HB965

This bill proposes several modifications to Texas abortion laws, primarily focusing on creating exceptions to existing abortion prohibitions. The bill adds an important exception to existing abortion restrictions for pregnancies resulting from sexual assault, specifically cases involving sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or certain related offenses. Importantly, this exception does not require the pregnant patient to file a police report, provide forensic evidence, or pursue prosecution of the alleged offender. The bill also updates various sections of the Health and Safety Code to clarify and modify language around abortion regulations, including changing section headings and removing references to a specific chapter of Revised Statutes. The legislation prevents the prosecution of pregnant patients seeking abortions under certain circumstances and repeals Chapter 6-1/2, Title 71 of the Revised Statutes. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or otherwise will become effective on September 1, 2025. These changes appear aimed at providing more nuanced legal protections and exceptions to abortion restrictions, particularly for survivors of sexual assault.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB965