Latest news with #SB33
Axios
28-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Bill targeting abortion pills misses key deadline
An effort to limit abortion pills in Texas appears to have died in the Legislature. Why it matters: Abortion is already illegal in Texas, but Republicans this session turned their attention to medication abortion, which accounts for most abortions performed in the U.S. Driving the news: Senate Bill 2880 — a sweeping measure that allows lawsuits against those mailing, delivering, manufacturing or distributing abortion bills — sailed through the Senate last month, but did not receive a vote in the House before a key deadline. Senate bills must have received a vote in the House by Tuesday to move to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. The legislative session ends Monday. Yes, but: It's not over 'til it's over. Measures can be resurrected at the last minute through amendments. What they're saying:"This is a significant failure from the House," Texas Right to Life president John Seago told the Texas Tribune. "When you look at the opportunity this bill had, it seems like there was a deliberate effort to slow the bill down, if not to kill it." Zoom in: More than three dozen Republicans signed a letter last week urging the House State Affairs Committee to vote on the bill so that it could move to the full chamber. The committee approved the measure, but too late in the legislative process to make it to the House floor before the clock ran out. The big picture: The Legislature has moved along several other abortion-related bills. SB 31, aimed at clarifying Texas' abortion ban, which includes an exception that allows doctors to terminate a pregnancy to save the pregnant person's life, is awaiting a signature by Abbott. SB 33, which bans a city from using taxpayer money to pay for abortion-related expenses, also awaits the governor's signature. Both Austin and San Antonio have allocated money to support people traveling for abortions out of state. The other side: "SB 31 doesn't undo the harm of the state's abortion ban, and it never could. No amount of 'clarification' can fix a fundamentally unjust law," Blair Wallace, policy and advocacy strategist for reproductive rights at the ACLU of Texas, said in a statement on the passage of SB 31.
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
TWO DOZEN STATE LEGISLATORS JOIN NATIONAL GUARANTEED INCOME COALITION
Mayors for a Guaranteed Income announces Legislators for a Guaranteed Income WASHINGTON, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Counties for a Guaranteed Income (CGI) announced the expansion of its network of elected officials advocating for unconditional cash aid policies. Legislators for a Guaranteed Income (LGI) is starting with 23 founding members in 17 states. They join a network of over 230 Mayors and county officials championing unconditional cash policies. So far, MGI and CGI have launched a total of 72 guaranteed income pilots, which have distributed about $335 million in direct economic relief. Currently, there are 25 bills introduced in 11 states for some form of statewide guaranteed income program. At a time when key federal aid programs are being dismantled, the abundance of guaranteed income legislation in statehouses shows the increased leadership that state leaders are taking to pick up the slack and bolster economic stability for residents. LGI members have introduced legislation including: 'We need leaders of moral courage who see the world as it is and are ready to fight for a vision of what it can be,' said Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson. 'The call for guaranteed income that Dr. King put out is being answered today by hundreds of cities and counties across the nation, and I'm proud to expand the movement by joining Legislators for a Guaranteed Income.' Partnering with independent researchers, this democratic groundswell is producing the largest body of data proving guaranteed incomeworks. Independent researchers have found higher rates of employment, improved financial stability, better housing and food security, and more time spent together as families, among other benefits. 'I began championing a guaranteed income as a County Supervisor in Santa Clara County, where we launched a pilot program for foster youth aging out of the system. In the California State Senate, I'm proud to have launched the first statewide GI program for foster youth and pregnant women in 2022 and this year I introduced SB 33 to provide homeless high school students with a guaranteed income to help them transition into college and careers,' said California State Senator Dave Cortese. 'A version of this legislation has already been piloted at the county level with state funding I secured. I believe youth in poverty deserve more than just survival—they deserve a real chance to thrive. That's why I'm proud to be a founding member of Legislators for a Guaranteed Income.' As the cost of living rapidly outpaces wage growth, more and more Americans are struggling to get by, despite working multiple jobs. More than one in three are considered working poor, and 63% of working Americans don't have enough saved to cover a $500 emergency–an increasingly common scenario as prices rise on many essentials. 'With the launch of Legislators for a Guaranteed Income, we are expanding our movement from one mayor in one city to more than 250 leaders in local and state government across the nation who believe we can increase economic opportunity with better policy,' said Michael D. Tubbs, founder and Co-Chair of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. Founding members of Legislators for a Guaranteed Income: CA State Senator Dave Cortese CA State Assemblymember Matt Haney HI State Senator Chris Lee IA State Representative Elinor Levin IL State Senator Graciela Guzman IL State Senator Ram Villivalam MA State Representative Marjorie Decker MD State Senator Cory McCray MD State Delegate Gabriel Acevero MN State Representative Athena Hollins MN State Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten NC State Senator Natalie Murdock NY State Senator Andrew Gounardes OH State Representative Dontavius Jarrells OR State Senator Wlnsvey Campos PA State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta TN State Representative Justin J. Pearson TN State Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari TX State Representative Ron Reynolds VT State Representative Jubilee McGill WA State Senator T'wina Nobles WA State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins WI State Assemblymember Francesca Hong Visit to learn more. Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is a coalition of more than 180 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to middle and low-income people. Expanding to include city and county legislators in 2023 with Counties for a Guaranteed Income, the network acts as a research and resource hub for municipal pilots around the country–over 70 and counting. An award-winning documentary film, It's Basic, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023, follows recipients and illuminates the life-changing impact of guaranteed income programs on families' economic security and opportunity. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mayors for a Guaranteed Income
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas Senate Bill 31 looks to eliminate emergency abortion 'loopholes'
The Brief Texas lawmakers present a trio of abortion bills to strengthen abortion laws and clear up what is constituted as a medical emergency. Senate Bill 31 is intended to protect doctors who perform abortions in cases of medical emergencies. Lawmakers debate Senate Bill 33 and Senate Bill 28-80 to close any potential loopholes that cities have exploited by using public funds to support out-of-state abortion travel. Texas lawmakers took up a trio of bills that aim at strengthening some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation. But one bill is intended to clarify when doctors can perform an abortion during an emergency — a situation some doctors say has been murky. What we know When the Texas Heartbeat Act was established in 2021, medical professionals across the lone-star state claimed it muddied the waters on what constituted a medical emergency, allowing an abortion to be performed, legally, and without repercussions. Senate Bill 31, dubbed the "Life of the Mother Act", seeks to get clinicians on the same page. It also comes after the news outlet Propublica reported on three Texas women, including 28-year-old Josseli Barnica, who died after not receiving critical care during miscarriages. Dig deeper Also in committee on Thursday, was Senate Bill 33 and Senate Bill 28-80 were debated. SB 33 is to close "loopholes" that supporters say some cities have exploited using public funds to support out-of-state abortion travel. "SB 33 bans the logistical support, which includes child care, transportation to or from abortion providers, lodging and meals. Overall, Senate Bill 33 ensures that, local governments comply with Texas pro-life laws," said State Senator, Donna Campbell of Texas District 25. This would implement criminal penalties for people and organizations who fund others' abortions. It also aims to crack down on those who mail abortion-inducing medications into the state. What they're saying "The intent of this bill is to remove any excuse from a doctor or a hospital treating a mom, for example, with an ectopic pregnancy, or a mom who's suffered a miscarriage or situations like that. To remove any question, any hesitation," said State Senator, Bryan Hughes of Texas District 1. "This will protect doctors and civil suits. It will protect them in criminal prosecution as well as any discipline from the medical board," said Texas Right to Life President, Dr. John Seago. The other side Reaction to the bills are drawing swift criticism from many women's health advocacy groups. "This is more about control than it is about protecting people or protecting their health or protecting life," said Denise Rodriguez of the Texas Equal Access fund. Rodriguez works for Texas Equal Access Fund, an organization funded through private donors which helps Texas women get access to abortions in other states. Under the new legislation, she and her group could be prosecuted. "Anybody who is thought to have helped somebody access care… like somebody who gave somebody a ride to the airport, somebody who helped them pay for the procedure or facilitated in some way," said Rodriguez. She accuses some lawmakers of intentionally "disguising" pieces of the legislation to avoid a bigger fuss. "It is a political Trojan horse. It's being marketed as a way to provide clarity for physicians and hospitals to be able to provide emergency medical care for pregnant Texans who are facing emergencies. But it doesn't do that," said Rodriguez. What's next The timeline is unclear about when the trio of bills will be voted on or whether there's any indication they'd then pass the house. The Source Information in this article is provided by the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs and previous FOX 4 coverage.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers discuss bills to clarify, toughen abortion laws
The Brief Texas lawmakers discussed three bills to address abortion laws in the state One bill noted that certain abortions are allowed in Texas to address serious emergencies None of the bills provide exemptions for rape and incest AUSTIN, Texas - Texas has one of the toughest abortion laws in the country. It's essentially a total ban that abortion advocates claim puts lives at risk. On Thursday, the Senate State Affairs committee took up three bills to address confusion about what's on the books. None of the bills provide exemptions for rape and incest. The backstory "The intent of this bill is to remove any excuse from a doctor or a hospital treating a mom, for example, with an ectopic pregnancy," said State Senator Bryan Hughes (R) Mineola. SB 31 known as the "Life of the Mother Act" codifies a recent Texas Supreme Court ruling. In upholding the law, the court noted that certain abortions are allowed in Texas to address serious emergencies. Supporters of the bill described it as a compromise. "The unification of the definition should give mothers in Texas the security that their health and life will be respected and protected. Pro-Life advocates can also be assured that this bill in no way allows for additional exceptions or expansions of legal abortion in Texas," said Jennifer Allman with the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. The backstory The committee also considered legislation that toughens existing law. SB 33 would prevent cities and counties in Texas from allocating public money to help women travel out of the state to get an abortion. The city of Austin has already earmarked $400,000 for what's called a reproductive justice fund. During the hearing, a similar effort in San Antonio was called a wasteful diversion of taxpayer money. "22% of our streets are in poor or failing condition. We are more than 200 police officers short. We have so many things that we need to spend our taxpayers' money on that. I hear about every single day in the community meetings that I go to, and not once in any of those community meetings have I ever heard the residents of San Antonio telling me that they want their tax dollars to be spent sending women to other states to receive abortion-related services," said Marc Whyte, who is a member of the San Antonio city council. The backstory The committee also considered a broad enforcement bill that could trigger out-of-state court fights. SB 2880 targets providers of abortion-inducing medications that are prescribed and sent in the mail. The bill classifies paying for/ or reimbursing costs for an abortion as a felony. The bill would authorize the attorney general to prosecute abortion crimes, and it would allow wrongful death and injury lawsuits six years after an abortion takes place. The other side Several abortion advocates voiced opposition to all the bills, arguing that they are unconstitutional. "I oppose this bill because I am scared. I am scared because myself and those that I love, live here already. Many of my loved ones have left as those who are hoping to start families are afraid to be pregnant in Texas, as they are not sure what kind of care they will receive. Should the worst situations happen," said UT Law student Karly Bruder. Dig deeper The committee also took up several other issues. Hearings were held on legislation to reign in the veto power and emergency powers of the governor. They also discussed a bill that would address the sale of new types of synthetic drugs that are currently unregulated. The Source Information from a Texas legislative session hearing
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wildfire prevention bills make their way through the Roundhouse
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – After the most destructive wildfire in state history devastated the Ruidoso area this past summer, lawmakers are pushing legislation to protect New Mexico communities from future fires. A bipartisan bill, SB 33, is making its way through the legislative session, which would create a program for wildfire prevention. Story continues below DWI Scandal: Another BCSO deputy placed on leave in connection to DWI dismissals National: Federal judge rules Trump must reinstate many fired federal employees Politics: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announces intention to run for reelection Lawmakers sponsoring the bill say the next big fire is coming and we need to be ready. 'Wildfires are a part of New Mexico history, they are here to stay. It's not a matter of if but when the next wildfire will occur,' said Representative Anita Gonzales (D-Las Vegas). In the last three years, New Mexico has had two of its largest wildfires ever, the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire near Las Vegas in 2022, and the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso in 2024. Now, lawmakers are proposing legislation to help prevent the same scale of destruction in at-risk areas. The Wildfire Prepared Act is a bipartisan Senate bill, that aims to create a task force made up of experts who will identify high-risk areas, plan out tree thinning, and create buffer zones to protect homes. 'They make this to where our local firefighters can get in there and do good work and pull some of the fuels out to where they're not burning as intense as they normally do,' said Representative Harlan Vincent, (R-Ruidoso Downs). The bill also creates a program offering grants to property owners for structural changes to make their homes and businesses more fire-resistant. 'A big concern right now for my area as well as others that have been impacted is insurance, home insurance, business insurance, and just the availability of it. and the best way to do that is to reduce risk so that insurance will come back to the table,' said Rep. Gonzales. On Thursday, two other bills were debated in committee dealing with buffer zones to curb wildfire spread (HB 175) and funding for fire suppression & preparedness (HB 191), both advancing unanimously. Representative Anita Gonzales says this shows lawmakers are putting this issue at the forefront. 'Just making our state wildfire ready, building preparedness and just making sure that we're on the right path so that what happened to my community can be mitigated for any other community in the future,' said Rep. Gonzales. 'We all learned from our lessons, and this is a lesson learned and what we're trying to do is just get better,' said Rep. Vincent. The Wildfire Prepared Act needs to clear one more committee and the House floor before heading to the governor's desk. The bill would take effect immediately to help the state prepare for the upcoming fire season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
