HB48 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will Dismukes

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Parental rights, provide that a conviction of a parent for rape or incest is a ground for termination of parental rights if the rape or incest resulted in the conception of the child, Sec. 12-15-319 am'd.

Summary

HB 48 adds that a parent's conviction for first-degree rape or incest, if that act conceived the child, is a factor for a juvenile court to consider when determining whether to terminate that parent's rights.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sec. 12-15-319 to require juvenile courts to weigh a parent's conviction for first-degree rape or incest as a factor in deciding whether to terminate parental rights when that conviction resulted in conception of the child. The bill makes this a factor to consider among existing criteria, not a mandate to terminate. It affects how termination decisions are made in Alabama juvenile court cases.

Who It Affects

• Parents convicted of first-degree rape or incest where the crime resulted in the conception of their child; their parental rights could be evaluated with this factor in mind.
• Juvenile courts and child welfare agencies in Alabama; they must consider this added factor when deciding whether to terminate parental rights.

Key Provisions

• Adds that a conviction for first-degree rape or incest, if it resulted in the conception of the child, is a factor for the juvenile court to consider when determining whether to terminate parental rights.
• Clarifies that this is a factor among existing criteria and does not automatically terminate parental rights; it guides the court's decision.

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

Subjects

Parental Rights