H.B. No. 965 proposes amendments to the Texas Health and Safety Code regarding exceptions to existing abortion prohibitions. The bill introduces a new subsection (b-1) to Section 170A.002, which states that the prohibition on abortion does not apply if the pregnancy resulted from sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault, and it clarifies that the pregnant patient is not required to file a police report, provide forensic evidence, or pursue prosecution of the alleged offense. Additionally, the heading of Section 171.205 is changed to "EXCEPTIONS," and a new subsection (a-1) is added, indicating that certain sections do not apply to abortions performed under the exceptions outlined in Section 170A.002.

The bill also amends Section 171.206(b) to specify that it does not authorize legal action against a pregnant patient for abortions performed in violation of the subchapter, and it clarifies that it does not repeal any other abortion-related statutes. Furthermore, Section 171.207(b) is revised to ensure that the amendments do not legalize prohibited conduct or limit remedies related to abortion. Finally, Chapter 6-1/2 of Title 71, Revised Statutes, is repealed entirely. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 171.205, Health and Safety Code 171.206, Health and Safety Code 171.207 (Health and Safety Code 171)