Texans have their eyes on a dramatic special session at the moment, but many new laws that passed during the regular session will take effect September 1. This week and next, the Chronicle is rounding up some of the bills set to change our state.
At a time when access to abortion in Texas is more difficult than any time in recent history, Senate Bill 33 is sticking another hurdle in the mud. The bill, which takes effect September 1, says that local governments cannot aid individuals seeking out-of-state abortion procedures in practically any way – fiscally or otherwise.
SB 33, authored by Republican Sen. Donna Campbell, states plainly that taxpayer money cannot be given to any “abortion assistance entity or abortion provider.” It also clarifies that public funds raised by local governments cannot be used to support planning, travel, or offer any “logistical support” required to fuel the costly act of leaving the state for care, which thousands have done since abortion became illegal in Texas in 2021.
The bill is said to close a “perceived loophole” between abortion providers and pro-choice organizations that seek to help pregnant people travel outside of Texas for abortions. The final version of the bill passed in the House on May 22, with a vote of 87-58.
“It’s another opportunity for communities to step up.” – ACLU Texas’ Dominique Huerta
SB 33 was on Lt. Gov. and GOP Senate leader Dan Patrick’s wish list. He checked off nearly every goal this session. Patrick said some “rogue, liberal cities” have gone out of their way to “skirt state law” through reproductive justice funds.
“The Senate’s passage of SB 33 draws a line in the sand, prohibiting these cities from using taxpayer dollars to fund abortion-related travel to circumvent state law,” Patrick said in a statement, praising Sen. Campbell’s efforts in moving the bill across the finish line.
Campbell did not respond for comment on how the bill may affect Texans in need of lifesaving care.
Since the Texas Heartbeat Act was passed in 2021, outlawing abortion as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, cities like San Antonio and Austin have gotten flak for investing in abortion travel funds to provide an alternative resource for Texans. Both cities faced lawsuits from Republican politicians challenging their legality.
SB 33 allows both the attorney general and private citizens to file lawsuits against cities that continue to allocate public funds for abortion access.
“There are already so many hurdles that low-income Texans – mostly communities of color – have to go through to seek this abortion care,” Dominique Huerta, the engagement coordinator for reproductive rights at ACLU Texas, said. “This will only make it more difficult.”
Huerta leads the Texas Abortion Advocacy Network, which promotes an advocacy movement for abortion access across Texas primarily through educational and financial means. Since SB 33 passed, Huerta says that TAAN will remain an “academy program,” but will most likely turn to mutual aid for direct action.
“I don’t know what the future looks like right now,” Huerta said. “But it’s another opportunity for communities to step up. The state fails us time and time again. … It is very funny to me that we are yet again relying on the working class to help people when we can barely afford groceries ourselves.”
This article appears in August 15 • 2025.