HB 816, authored by Chairman Todd Hunter, was introduced in the House State Affairs committee minutes ago. HB 816 would prevent Texas from using tax-payer funds for abortion coverage under Obamacare (see last entry for more explanation). A Senate Companion – SB 404 – is being carried by Senator Glen Hegar. The House bill was laid out to the committee with the author’s intent to protect the conscience of Texas tax-payers and the lives of the unborn. Texas Right to Life strongly supports HB 816, and is actively working to pass this through both chambers, ultimately sending it to Governor Perry for his signature.
The committee heard testimony from many qualified and expert witnesses on HB 816. Our own Legislative Director, John Seago, testified to the need for the bill. Chairman Hunter closed, and the State Affairs Committee left HB 816 pending. TRTL expects the bill to be voted out of the committee sometime next week. We applaud Chairman Hunter for his leadership for the Pro-Life cause.
