Texas senators have approved a measure that would prohibit cooperation between local jurisdictions and groups that assist with out-of-state abortion travel expenses.
Senate Bill 33, a priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick filed by State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-Bulverde), moved closer to final passage on Tuesday after a 22-9 vote by lawmakers.
The measure would prohibit certain cooperation between a governmental entity and an “abortion assistance entity,” and would establish civil remedies for private citizens and the Texas attorney general to hold governmental entities accountable.
An “abortion assistance entity” is defined under SB 33 as an individual or organization that facilitates abortion by covering costs, helping with travel, or providing counseling that encourages abortion.
Campbell began her presentation on the floor by noting that state law, through SB 22 of 2019, already prohibits direct taxpayer funding of abortion providers or their affiliates.
“This bill, SB 33, ensures taxpayer funds are not used to indirectly support or facilitate out-of-state abortion services by explicitly prohibiting government transactions with abortion assistance entities,” said Campbell.
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) asked Campbell if the measure would apply to the emergency exceptions of the state’s current abortion law, SB 8 of 2021.
“This does not apply to any emergency. This applies for assistance going out of state to seek an abortion,” responded Campbell.
Senators on the State Affairs Committee previously heard testimony on Campbell’s proposal last month and forwarded it in early April without recommending amendments.
Campbell explained at the hearing that the measure was relevant because some big cities, like Austin and San Antonio, are currently exploiting the loopholes of SB 22.
According to publicly available data, Austin’s 2024-2025 city budget appropriated $400,000 to entities that assist residents in paying travel, hotel, and food costs related to obtaining out-of-state abortions.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stated after the floor vote that Campbell’s measure will be taken up for final passage on Wednesday and sent to the Texas House of Representatives.
“Since 2021, abortions in Texas have essentially ground to a halt. A number of rogue, liberal cities have done everything in their power to skirt state law, including paying for out-of-state travel for abortions on-demand outside Texas. This is unacceptable,” wrote Patrick.
The lieutenant governor also thanked Campbell for carrying the measure and characterized the Senate’s vote as drawing “a line in the sand” against cities attempting to circumvent state law.
