On Monday afternoon, the Texas Senate passed the committee substitute version of HB15 in another important step towards enacting priority legislation relating to the protection of life and a woman’s right to be fully informed!  The vote was 21-10 in favor of passage, with three Democrats joining 18 Republican senators in voting for the bill.  HB 15 now moves to a third and final reading in the Senate on Tuesday.

RPT State Chairman Steve Munisteri thanked our Republican Senators for the action, stating “I am very pleased to see our Republican Senators taking the lead on this important legislation and for moving this bill farther along in the process. On behalf of the Republican Party of Texas, I wish to thank our Republican senators who voted for this bill: Brian Birdwell, John Carona, Bob Deuell, Robert Duncan, Kevin Eltife, Craig Estes, Troy Fraser, Chris Harris, Glenn Hegar, Joan Huffman, Mike Jackson, Jane Nelson, Robert Nichols, Steve Ogden, Kel Seliger, Florence Shapiro and Tommy Williams.  I especially wish to recognize Senator Dan Patrick for his ongoing work to guide this legislation through the chamber and in the House, Representative Sid Miller has also earned our thanks for the tremendous effort he has put into making sure that this bill is enacted. Together, these two Republican leaders have worked to craft a strong, pro-life bill to place on Governor Perry’s desk. After today, we are one step closer to final passage and I thank all of our Republican Senators who voted for this bill today.”