Relating to the distribution of certain funds for abortions

The division prohibits funding to be distributed to any entity that performs abortions or that maintains or operates a facility where abortions are performed. The division also prohibits funds distributed to be used for direct or indirect costs related to providing abortions. The division makes exceptions to the definition of “abortion” for the purpose of distribution of the funds. The division directs DPH to submit a report annually to the governor and the general assembly by January 1, identifying any entities lowest in the prioritization schedule that received public funds instead of an entity higher in the prioritization schedule during the preceding calendar year. The report shall include a detailed explanation of how DPH determined that distribution to such an entity was necessary to prevent limitations in access to family planning services in the region of the state where the entity is located. The division directs DPH, beginning with any contract entered into on or after July 1, 2019, to administer the state personal responsibility education program and the state abstinence education grant program to exclude, as an eligible applicant, any applicant entity that provides abortions, maintains or operates facilities where abortions are performed, or regularly makes referrals to an entity that provides abortions or maintains or operates a facility where abortions are performed. The division directs the department of human services, beginning with any contract entered into on or after July 1, 2019, to exclude from the award of federal temporary assistance for needy families block grant funds appropriated to the department for the community adolescent pregnancy prevention and services program, any applicant entity that provides abortions, maintains or operates a facility where abortions are performed, or regularly makes referrals to an entity that provides abortions or maintains or operates a facility where abortions are performed. Division II of the bill provides for a right of intervention. The bill provides that a sponsor or co-sponsors of the bill, as an agent or agents of the state, shall have standing to intervene on behalf of the general assembly as a party in any judicial or administrative proceeding challenging the provisions of the bill. Division III of the bill provides for severability of any provision or application of the bill that is held invalid from the provisions or applications of the bill which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application.