84R11381 AAF-D

By: Lucio S.B. No. 1870

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to state agency rules and strategic plans guided by the principle that life begins at conception.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 2001, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2001.042 to read as follows:

Sec. 2001.042. GUIDING PRINCIPLE: LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION. In adopting rules, a state agency shall be guided by the principle that life begins at conception, which is the moment of fertilization, in order to:

(1) make the agency's services and programs more understandable for families and children in need of assistance;

(2) increase access to the agency's services and programs for eligible individuals who are not receiving the services or participating in the programs;

(3) strengthen the agency's mission to better serve eligible individuals with an improved quality of service; and

(4) maximize federal and private sector funding to strengthen the agency's ability to meet the agency's mission and to assist eligible individuals.

SECTION 2. Chapter 2056, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2056.011 to read as follows:

Sec. 2056.011. GUIDING PRINCIPLE: LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION. In making a strategic plan, a state agency shall be guided by the principle that life begins at conception, which is the moment of fertilization, in order to:

(1) make the agency's services and programs more understandable for families and children in need of assistance;

(2) increase access to the agency's services and programs for eligible individuals who are not receiving the services or participating in the programs;

(3) strengthen the agency's mission to better serve eligible individuals with an improved quality of service; and

(4) maximize federal and private sector funding to strengthen the agency's ability to meet the agency's mission and to assist eligible individuals.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.