SB376 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Abortion, minors, parental consent, judicial waiver from, applicability to non resident, Sec. 26-21-4 am'd.

Summary

SB376 would require parental consent for abortion for all minors (both residents and nonresidents), make waiver procedures available to both groups, and tighten confidentiality, timeframes, and on-record justification requirements in these cases.

What This Bill Does

The bill extends the parental-consent requirement to both resident and nonresident minors and allows waiver procedures for both. It tightens confidentiality by allowing a minor's identity to be disclosed to witnesses only if the court states on the record why it’s necessary and not burdensome. It increases the court’s decision time from 48 hours to up to 72 hours (with the minor’s request capable of triggering extensions) and requires on-record justification for subpoenas. It also preserves attorney representation for the minor and adds record-keeping and expedited appeal provisions if a waiver is denied.

Who It Affects

• Minors seeking abortion in Alabama (both residents and nonresidents) — must obtain parental consent or pursue a judicial waiver, may participate with legal representation, and have confidential handling of their information with on-record disclosures only when justified.
• Court, district attorney, witnesses, and guardian ad litem involved in the waiver process — must provide on-record justification for disclosures and subpoenas, work within revised timeframes, and participate under heightened procedural safeguards.

Key Provisions

• Requires parental consent for abortion for both resident and nonresident minors and makes waiver procedures available to both groups.
• Restricts disclosure of a minor's identity to witnesses and requires on-record justification for any necessary disclosure to promote the petition without unduly burdening the minor.
• Extends the court's deadline to rule on a waiver petition from 48 hours to up to 72 hours, with extensions allowed upon the minor's request and requires on-record justification for extensions.
• Before issuing subpoenas, the court must state on the record why the evidence is necessary and that obtaining it will not unduly burden the minor.
• Keeps provisions for minor representation by counsel, confidential records for at least four years, and expedited confidential appeals if a waiver is denied.

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

Subjects

Abortion