HB575 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Parental rights, termination, conviction of father for 1st degree rape of mother resulting in conception, Sec. 12-15-319 am'd.

Summary

HB575 would let a biological father’s parental rights be terminated if he commits first-degree rape against the child’s mother that results in conception.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 12-15-319 to add a new ground for terminating parental rights: a biological father who commits first-degree rape against the mother of a child, resulting in that child’s conception, may have his parental rights terminated if the court finds clear and convincing evidence. This new ground is listed as item (13) alongside existing factors the court may consider when deciding to terminate parental rights. The bill also sets an effective date that starts the term after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Biological father who commits first-degree rape against the mother of a child, resulting in conception; his parental rights could be terminated.
• The child conceived from the act and the mother, who could be affected in terms of custody, care, and support if the father's parental rights are terminated.

Key Provisions

• Adds new ground for termination of parental rights: a conviction for first-degree rape by the biological father of a child against the mother that results in the conception of the child (Section 12-15-319(a)(13)).
• Preserves existing termination standards and factors (a range of considerations) and explicitly includes this rape-conviction as an additional basis for termination.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Children