Austin, Texas, December 20, 2025
The Texas Legislature has enacted Senate Bill 33, preventing local governments from using taxpayer funds for residents seeking abortion services outside Texas. This law halts financial aid for travel, lodging, meals, and childcare related to out-of-state abortions, impacting initiatives in cities like Austin and San Antonio. Signed by Governor Abbott, the law has sparked debate over reproductive rights and local governance, with organizations like the ACLU highlighting concerns about access to essential healthcare for Texans.
Texas Legislature Passes Senate Bill 33, Prohibiting Local Funding for Out-of-State Abortions
Austin, Texas – The Texas Legislature has enacted Senate Bill 33, a law that prohibits local governments from using taxpayer funds to assist residents seeking abortion services outside the state. This legislation aims to prevent cities and counties from allocating resources for travel, lodging, meals, and childcare related to out-of-state abortions.
Details of Senate Bill 33
Senate Bill 33, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 22, 2025, specifically targets programs in cities like Austin and San Antonio that had previously allocated funds to support residents traveling out of state for abortion services. For instance, Austin City Council had approved $400,000 in the city budget to provide financial assistance for such travel. The new law effectively halts these initiatives, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used to facilitate out-of-state abortions.
Background and Legislative Process
The passage of Senate Bill 33 follows a series of legal challenges and legislative actions. In 2023, the San Antonio City Council approved a $500,000 allocation for a Reproductive Justice Fund intended to assist residents seeking abortions outside Texas. This plan faced opposition and legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by the San Antonio Family Association, which argued that the use of taxpayer funds for abortion-related travel was unlawful. The Texas House passed Senate Bill 33 in 2025, closing the legal loophole that allowed such funding. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Abbott, reflecting a significant shift in the state’s approach to abortion-related services and the use of public funds.
Implications and Reactions
The enactment of Senate Bill 33 has sparked diverse reactions. Supporters argue that the law aligns with the state’s pro-life stance and ensures that taxpayer money is not used to fund abortions. Opponents contend that the law restricts access to reproductive healthcare and undermines local autonomy. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas has expressed concern, stating that the law targets popular, voter-approved programs in cities like Austin and San Antonio, stripping communities of critical support and silencing the will of local voters. The ACLU emphasizes that with abortion fully banned in the state, this bill makes it harder for Texans to get the essential healthcare they need in other states.
Conclusion
Senate Bill 33 represents a significant development in Texas’ legislative landscape concerning reproductive rights and the use of public funds. By prohibiting local governments from funding out-of-state abortions, the law reinforces the state’s commitment to its pro-life policies and has prompted ongoing debates about reproductive healthcare access and local governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 33?
Senate Bill 33 is a law enacted by the Texas Legislature that prohibits local governments from using taxpayer funds to assist residents seeking abortion services outside the state. This includes funding for travel, lodging, meals, and childcare related to out-of-state abortions.
When was Senate Bill 33 signed into law?
Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 33 into law on June 22, 2025.
Which cities were affected by this law?
The law specifically targets programs in cities like Austin and San Antonio, which had previously allocated funds to support residents traveling out of state for abortion services.
What was the legislative process for Senate Bill 33?
Senate Bill 33 passed the Texas House in 2025, closing the legal loophole that allowed local funding for out-of-state abortions. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Abbott.
What are the implications of Senate Bill 33?
The enactment of Senate Bill 33 has sparked diverse reactions. Supporters argue that the law aligns with the state’s pro-life stance and ensures that taxpayer money is not used to fund abortions. Opponents contend that the law restricts access to reproductive healthcare and undermines local autonomy.
How has the ACLU of Texas responded to Senate Bill 33?
The ACLU of Texas has expressed concern, stating that the law targets popular, voter-approved programs in cities like Austin and San Antonio, stripping communities of critical support and silencing the will of local voters. The ACLU emphasizes that with abortion fully banned in the state, this bill makes it harder for Texans to get the essential healthcare they need in other states.
Key Features of Senate Bill 33
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibition on Local Funding | Bars local governments from using taxpayer funds to assist residents seeking abortion services outside Texas. |
| Targeted Programs | Affects programs in cities like Austin and San Antonio that had allocated funds for out-of-state abortion-related travel. |
| Legislative Support | Received bipartisan support in the Texas Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 22, 2025. |
| Legal Challenges | Addresses legal challenges to local funding for out-of-state abortions, including lawsuits filed by organizations like the San Antonio Family Association. |
| Implications | Reflects a significant shift in Texas’ approach to reproductive rights and the use of public funds, with ongoing debates about reproductive healthcare access and local governance. |
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