The bill, H.B. No. 5285, amends the Health and Safety Code to enhance family support services under the Thriving Texas Families Program, which is a continuation of the alternatives to abortion program. Key definitions are added, including "abortion services provider," which encompasses various roles related to abortion, and "network contractor," referring to those who contract with the commission to provide services. The bill emphasizes that service providers must not be associated with abortion services and outlines specific criteria for their operation, including annual certification of compliance with the program's life-affirming mission.
Additionally, the bill specifies the types of services that can be provided through the program, such as counseling, care coordination, and educational materials, while explicitly prohibiting the provision of family planning or abortion-related services. It also establishes eligibility criteria for organizations seeking funding, ensuring that they do not have ties to abortion services providers. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission adopt necessary rules to implement these changes, with an effective date set for September 1, 2025.