HB 965

relating to exceptions to and the repeal of certain laws
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 170A.002, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1)  The prohibition under Subsection (a) does not apply if
the pregnancy resulted from sexual assault in violation of Section
22.011, Penal Code, aggravated sexual assault in violation of
Section 22.021, Penal Code, or conduct constituting an offense
under Section 25.02, Penal Code. This subsection may not be
(1)  the pregnant patient to file a police or
(2)  the pregnant patient to provide forensic evidence;
(3)  prosecution of the alleged offense.
SECTION 2.  The heading to Section 171.205, Health and
Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 171.205.  EXCEPTIONS [EXCEPTION FOR MEDICAL
SECTION 3.  Section 171.205, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(a-1)  Sections 171.203 and 171.204 do not apply to an
abortion performed or induced by a person in accordance with an
exception provided by Section 170A.002.
SECTION 4.  Section 171.206(b), Health and Safety Code, is
(b)  This subchapter may not be construed to:
(1)  authorize the initiation of a cause of action
against or the prosecution of a pregnant patient [woman] on whom an
abortion is performed or induced or attempted to be performed or
induced in violation of this subchapter;
(2)  wholly or partly repeal, either expressly or by
implication, any other statute that regulates or prohibits
abortion[, including Chapter 6-1/2, Title 71, Revised Statutes]; or
(3)  restrict a political subdivision from regulating
or prohibiting abortion in a manner that is at least as stringent as
SECTION 5.  Section 171.207(b), Health and Safety Code, is
(b)  Subsection (a) may not be construed to:
(1)  legalize the conduct prohibited by this subchapter
[or by Chapter 6-1/2, Title 71, Revised Statutes];
(2)  limit in any way or affect the availability of a
remedy established by Section 171.208; or
(3)  limit the enforceability of any other laws that
SECTION 6.  Chapter 6-1/2, Title 71, Revised Statutes, is
SECTION 7.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.