Topline
The Texas Legislature was warned about an online threat against legislators who voted for the controversial Texas abortion law. This bans abortion for six weeks in Texas.
Shelby Slawson, Texas state representative, stood alongside co-sponsors to answer questions about the Texas House's proposed... [+] "hearbeat" bill in May. ASSOCIATED PRS
The Key Facts
According to Forbes emails, the Texas Department of Public Safety informed lawmakers Tuesday night about an online threat against Texas politicians. The threat stated that the FBI had tipped the agency about the message. Officials from DPS said that the threat was only for 101 legislators who voted in support of the Texas Senate and Texas House heartbeat bills. According to the Texas Tribune, the message seemed to have included the threat of violence. Forbes was not able to reach DPS for comment. The agency stated in a statement that it does not discuss ongoing threats or investigations. Texas Tribune first reported the threat and warning from law enforcements.
Important Background
Texas new abortion law bans the termination of pregnancies after an ultrasound can detect signs of a fetal heartbeat a controversial term many experts say are electronically-induced twitches in fetal tissue which can occur as early as six weeks, before many know theyre pregnant. Private citizens can enforce the law by sueing anyone who helped procure an abortion in Texas. The maximum amount of damages is $10,000. Monday saw the first lawsuits filed under the new legislation against a Texas doctor, who claimed that he performed an abortion illegally in a Washington Post editorial last week. After being signed by Texas Governor, the law went into effect on Sept. 1. Greg Abbott in May. On Monday, a Florida Republican introduced a copycat bill in the statehouse, with legislatures in other Republican-controlled states likely to follow.
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Florida Lawmaker Introduces a Copy of Texas Abortion LawGOP Politicians in Other States Are Likely to Follow (Forbes).
More than 50 companies, including Yelp and Lyft, have spoken out against Texas' abortion law (Forbes).
Supreme Court to Hear Abortion Case December 1, That Could Overturn Roe V. Wade
