San Antonio council officially opposes SB 33 and enlists lobbyists for defense

The San Antonio City Council B Session held on April 16, 2025, focused on several key issues, notably the city's position on Senate Bill 33 (SB 33), which has sparked significant political debate.

The meeting began with Councilman inquiries regarding SB 33, specifically about the city's stance on the bill. It was clarified that prior to this meeting, the council had not officially taken a position on SB 33, particularly concerning the city’s health fund. However, following a council action taken on April 3, the council has now decided to actively oppose the bill. This decision aims to uphold the authority of local elected officials to enact ordinances that serve the best interests of the community.

Council members expressed concerns about the implications of engaging in what they described as a politically divisive issue. There was a discussion about the involvement of the city’s government affairs team and lobbyists in opposing the bill. It was confirmed that the government affairs team would be responsible for following through on the council's decision, which includes registering the city’s opposition when the bill is heard in a house committee.

The conversation highlighted the complexities of legislative interactions and the role of lobbyists in advocating for the city’s interests. Council members sought clarity on what "actively oppose" entails, particularly regarding the use of taxpayer dollars for lobbying efforts against the bill, which relates to funding out-of-state abortion services.

In conclusion, the council's decision to oppose SB 33 marks a significant step in its legislative agenda, reflecting its commitment to local governance and the authority of elected officials. The council plans to continue monitoring the bill's progress and will register its opposition as necessary in future legislative discussions.