BRIEF: Senate sends abortion insurance bill to House

March 27--Voting 21-10, the Texas Senate on Monday approved a bill to ban insurance coverage for abortions in the state.

Senate Bill 20 by state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, would prohibit abortion coverage in private plans, under the Affordable Care Act and in state-issued insurance plans, except for medical emergencies. Those interested in abortion coverage would have to purchase supplemental coverage if offered by their insurer.

As the bill was called to the floor, a group of abortion-rights protesters briefly disrupted the session by shouting and unfurling a banner.

The vote sent SB 20 to the House. A similar bill passed the Senate in 2015 but died in the House.

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