The Texas House has given initial approval to legislation that would bar local governments from using taxpayer dollars to support women seeking abortions, including those who travel out of state to do so.
Senate Bill 33, authored by Sen. Donna Campbell (R–Bulverde) and sponsored in the House by Rep. Candy Noble (R–Lucas), expands an existing law that already prohibits government funding of abortion providers and their affiliates.
The new language would close a loophole exploited by left-leaning cities like Austin and San Antonio, which have allocated public funds to assist with abortion-related travel and logistics.
“This is a taxpayer protection bill,” said Noble while presenting the bill on the House floor. “Taxpayers should not have their tax dollars fund an activity that is illegal in Texas.”
In recent years, some cities have funneled tax dollars to nonprofit organizations that help women pay for transportation, lodging, childcare, and other costs to obtain abortions outside of Texas.
In 2019, Austin approved $150,000 to support such services through organizations like the Lilith Fund and Fund Texas Choice.
In 2023, San Antonio followed suit by creating a $500,000 Reproductive Justice Fund, which was expanded this year with an additional $100,000 to cover “downstream services” that could include out-of-state abortion travel.
SB 33 prohibits any governmental entity from entering into contracts or spending money to provide logistical support for abortions, even if those services are delivered in other states. That includes funding for travel, food, lodging, childcare, counseling that encourages abortion, or any other service that facilitates the procedure.
Democrats argued the bill could penalize cities or nonprofits for assisting even rape or trafficking victims seeking abortions in other states. But supporters insisted the legislation is necessary to uphold Texas law and ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to circumvent it.
“This is about making our legislative intent very clear,” Noble added. “Tax dollars should not facilitate travel to another state for an act that is not allowed here.”
The legislation was approved in a 89-57 vote.
The House also gave initial approval to Senate Bill 31, known as the Life of the Mother Act, which clarifies and expands the medical exceptions to Texas’ abortion ban.
Both pieces of legislation still require a final vote on third reading in the House before being sent back to the Senate. If they approve the House’s version, the legislation will be sent to the governor’s desk.
