Texas House Bill HB 4595

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/12/25

Caption

Relating to prohibition of transporting or funding the transportation of an unemancipated minor for an abortion; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

Summary

HB 4595 would create a new chapter in the Texas Health and Safety Code prohibiting a person from knowingly transporting, or paying for the transportation of, an unemancipated minor from Texas to another state or country for the purpose of obtaining an abortion unless a parent or person lawfully standing in the place of a parent gives written consent. The bill defines “unemancipated minor” and incorporates existing Texas abortion-law definitions, while carving out exceptions for abortions already permitted under certain existing medical exceptions in state law. The bill also establishes enforcement mechanisms. A violation would be a criminal offense, generally a second-degree felony, elevated to a first-degree felony if the unborn child dies as a result of the out-of-state abortion. In addition, the bill imposes a civil penalty of at least $100,000 per violation, authorizes the attorney general to sue to recover that penalty and related fees and costs, and preserves other civil remedies. It further directs licensing authorities to revoke the license or other authority of a physician or health care professional who violates the transportation ban.

Impact

HB 4595 would expand Texas abortion restrictions beyond procedures performed in-state by targeting conduct that facilitates a minor’s travel out of state for an abortion. It would create new criminal and civil liability for individuals who arrange or fund such transportation without parental written consent, and it would expose health care professionals to professional discipline, including revocation of licensure or other credentials. The bill would apply only to abortions performed or induced on or after its effective date, September 1, 2025, and it includes a severability clause to preserve remaining provisions if part of the law is struck down.

Sentiment

The available context shows the bill was referred to the House Public Health Committee and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so there is no direct evidence of floor debate or formal support/opposition in the record here. Based on the bill’s subject matter and structure, it appears to be a strongly anti-abortion measure focused on parental consent and enforcement against third-party assistance. The absence of recorded votes or discussion prevents a more specific assessment of legislative sentiment from the provided materials.

Contention

The main points of contention are likely to be the bill’s reach beyond Texas borders, its criminalization of transportation or funding assistance, and its severe penalties, especially the felony classifications and $100,000 civil penalty. Supporters would likely frame the bill as protecting parental rights and preventing circumvention of Texas abortion restrictions for minors, while opponents would likely argue it interferes with interstate travel, burdens access to reproductive health care, and could chill assistance from family members, advocates, or medical professionals. The disciplinary provision for physicians and other health care professionals is another likely flashpoint.