The bill, titled "An Act relating to family support services provided under a Health and Human Services Commission program," amends the Health and Safety Code to establish the Thriving Texas Families Program as a continuation of the alternatives to abortion program. It introduces new definitions, including "abortion services provider," "affiliate," "governmental entity," "network contractor," and "program," which clarify the roles and relationships of various entities involved in providing support services. The bill emphasizes that service providers must not be associated with abortion services and outlines specific requirements for their operations, including annual certifications to ensure 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, educational materials, and housing assistance, while explicitly prohibiting the use of program funds for any abortion-related services. It also establishes eligibility criteria for organizations seeking funding, disqualifying those with 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.