The bill, S.B. No. 257, proposes amendments to the Texas Health and Safety Code regarding exceptions to laws prohibiting abortion. A significant addition is the insertion of Subsection (b-1) in Section 170A.002, which allows for an exception if a pregnant patient indicates that their pregnancy resulted from sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault. This provision clarifies that the 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 amended to reflect "EXCEPTIONS" instead of "EXCEPTION FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCY," and a new Subsection (a-1) is added to specify that certain sections do not apply to abortions performed under the exceptions provided by Section 170A.002.

Further amendments include changes to Section 171.206(b) and Section 171.207(b), which clarify that the subchapter does not authorize legal action against a pregnant patient for abortions performed under the new exceptions and does not repeal other abortion regulations. The bill also repeals Chapter 6-1/2, Title 71, Revised Statutes, which previously regulated abortion. 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)