Texas State Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) has introduced legislation aimed at tightening restrictions on government involvement in abortion-related services. Senate Bill 730 (SB 730) seeks to prevent taxpayer funds from being used to assist abortion providers, whether through direct financial support or logistical assistance.
The bill expands the definition of an “abortion assistance entity” to include anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion by providing lodging, food, transportation, financial aid, or abortion-inducing drugs. Under SB 730, government agencies would be barred from entering into financial transactions or contracts that support abortion services in any way.
Closing Loopholes in Texas’ Pro-Life Laws
“Texas has been a national leader in defending the sanctity of life, and Senate Bill 730 is another critical step in ensuring that taxpayer dollars are never used to fund abortion-related travel,” Campbell said in a statement to The Texan.
The legislation explicitly prohibits governmental support for services such as:
Childcare for women seeking an abortion
Transportation to and from an abortion provider
Food or housing assistance tied to abortion procurement
Counseling that encourages abortion
Any other logistical support that facilitates an abortion
Campbell argues that SB 730 is necessary to close loopholes that allow cities like Austin and San Antonio to allocate taxpayer money in ways that undermine state pro-life policies. “SB 730 ensures that Texans are not forced to subsidize practices that violate their deeply held values,” she stated.
Legal Enforcement and Private Cause of Action
If a government entity is found to be violating SB 730 by assisting with abortion access through taxpayer funds, it could face civil prosecution. Lawsuits could be brought forward by Texas residents, the state attorney general, or individuals residing in the affected political subdivisions.
This enforcement mechanism mirrors the approach used in the Texas Heartbeat Act of 2021, which allowed private citizens to sue those involved in performing abortions beyond the point of detectable fetal heartbeat.
Additionally, SB 730 includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the bill is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions would still be enforceable.
What’s Next for SB 730?
SB 730 was officially filed on January 7 and referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee on February 7. It remains to be seen how the bill will progress through the legislative process, but if passed, it would further solidify Texas’ position as one of the most restrictive states in the country when it comes to abortion access.
