713-333-4430What Texas Families Need to Know About the 2025 Legislative Session
Texas lawmakers are back at work for the 2025 session, and there is absolutely no shortage of updates that could impact families across the state––so listen up! With education and abortion policies open again on center stage, there is a lot to unpack here. If you are wondering how these changes could affect you and your family, the following has broken down the session so it’s easy to understand and all in one spot.
Abortion Laws: Proposed Changes Could Expand and Restrict Access
Texas has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation, and thus, it is not a surprise that the topic has again made its rounds and is in the 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are filing bills focused on reshaping the rules for abortion access in Texas.
On one side, Democratic lawmakers are pushing forward for an expansion of the circumstances under which doctors may legally perform abortions. A bill filed by Rep. Donna Howard (D) would permit healthcare providers to rely on their “best medical judgment” when making calls about a patient’s care. The change is a noticeable one from the current laws, which permit abortion when it is “necessary to save the life of the patient.” The proposal also presents exceptions for preserving future fertility, mental health concerns and considerations, and cases of severe fetal abnormalities.
Another bill seeks to allow abortions for cases of rape or incest––an exception many feel should exist already. Supporters have argued that these changes would give doctors more flexibility and allow women to obtain necessary care without anxiety over legal repercussions.
Alternatively, conservative legislators are reinforcing their stances on abortion and restrictions. Rep. Steve Toth (R) has submitted legislation to bolster enforcement by giving the state attorney general expanded authority to prosecute abortion-related crimes. The law would bypass local district attorneys.
For families, the potential outcomes of these bills could be significant. While Democratic proposals could provide some relief for those confronted by serious medical problems or other demanding circumstances, the Republican-advocated efforts aspire to further tighten management over abortion access. No matter where you stand on the issue, these changes could have direct impacts on Texans seeking reproductive care.
Education: School Vouchers and Curriculum Control in The Spotlight
Public instruction is another hot-button issue in this legislative session, and the propositions could recondition how schools serve and perform, and how families make decisions about their kid’s educational studies.
The top of the agenda for Republican lawmakers is the intro of school vouchers. These programs would authorize families to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition or other educational expenditures. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has made it abundantly transparent that passing a voucher-infused bill is one of his utmost priorities. Governor Greg Abbott has alluded that the house could see sufficient votes to endorse the measure.
Supporters argue the vouchers provide families with more options and freedom to choose, especially those in underperforming school districts. Critics, however, worry about the conceivable consequences on public schools. Pulling funding could leave the public education system with fewer resources for most students who would likely remain in the public school system.
Adding to the funding debates are what students are learning while in the classroom. House Bill 183, for example, would give the State Board of Education rule over banning “inappropriate” library materials.
For families, these modifications could usher in more stringent curriculum controls and fewer decisions left at local levels about what is taught in their children’s schools. Likewise, Senate Bill 86 seeks to forbid classroom pedagogy about sexual orientation or gender identity. Parents concerned about inclusivity or diverse expression in the classroom may find these bills particularly concerning and stifling.
On the alternative side of the debate, Democratic lawmakers are introducing bills that would work to improve equity and expand curriculum. House Bill 178, filed by Rep. Christina Morales (D), seeks to add ethnic studies to the required curriculum, giving students a broader understanding of historically marginalized and underserved communities.
How These Topics and Bills Influence Texas Families
For parents and caregivers, remaining knowledgeable about legislative changes or possible transformations to current laws and operations is imperative. The changes being debated are not minor ones. These are changes that could easily affect and control access to reproductive care, your children’s educational options, and even what they are learning and taking away from school and their education.
In the matter of abortion laws, families facing medical crises or other hardships may find themselves having to navigate a landmine of regulations. Having clear and compassionate regulations in place could mean the difference between receiving timely care and experiencing unnecessary delays and related health problems.
On the educational spectrum, the roll-out of school vouchers may be appealing, but it is important to also look at the bigger implications and be prepared for how either bill could impact your family. Public schools serve the vast majority of Texas students, and any changes to their funding would likely result in long-lasting consequences. At the same time, restrictions on curriculum content could narrow the diversity and inclusivity of what students are exposed to in the classroom.
What’s Next?
The 2025 legislative session is just heating up, and these proposals are likely to evolve as lawmakers continue to debate on their merits. Families should stay aware and vigilant, as well as reach out to their representatives, make their voices heard, and advocate for family members. Whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, or another matter entirely, staying in the legislative loop is required if you want to have your needs and concerns accurately and equally depicted.
One thing is for sure: Texas families are resilient; no matter how you cut it or what changes have come their way in the past or are headed toward them in the future, they continue advocating for the best interests and futures of their kids. When you stay not only informed but involved, you play a part in shaping those policies that will affect your families and communities.
If you have concerns about how these legislative updates might impact your family, consider consulting a Texas family law attorney by calling us at (713) 333-4430.
Shannon L. Boudreaux is a passionate advocate for her clients, working on their behalf to help them reshape their lives, their families, and their futures. For two decades, she has helped reunite parents with their children and helped clients negotiate contentious custody disputes. Learn more here.
