S.B. No. 1521 is a legislative bill that aims to regulate abortion and related matters in Texas, including the repeal of certain existing abortion laws. Key provisions of the bill include the introduction of a new section in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code that allows individuals to petition for a deposition before filing a civil action, provided they have sustained or expect to sustain actual damages. Additionally, the bill amends the Family Code to change the heading of Section 151.002, removing references to civil penalties and criminal offenses related to the rights of a living child after an abortion or premature birth. It also establishes that a statute regulating or prohibiting abortion cannot impose penalties on pregnant individuals undergoing the procedure.

The bill further includes provisions that allow individuals to provide assistance for traveling outside the state to obtain an abortion, and it prohibits municipalities or counties from enacting measures that restrict travel based on the purpose of the trip. Several existing laws are repealed, including those that previously regulated abortion procedures and penalties. The changes made by this Act will apply only to abortions performed or induced on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any actions taken before this date will be governed by the laws in effect at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 151.002, Government Code 311.036, Health and Safety Code 170.002, Health and Safety Code 171.061, Health and Safety Code 171.063, Health and Safety Code 171.206, Health and Safety Code 171.207, Health and Safety Code 171.208 (Government Code 311, Health and Safety Code 171, Family Code 151, Health and Safety Code 170)