Alabama Senate passes law exempting nursing mothers from jury duty

The Alabama Senate on a unanimous vote approved Senate Bill 76, known as "Parker's Law," to create a statutory exemption from jury duty for nursing mothers.

The measure, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Cindy Weaver, passed final reading as amended by a vote of 31-0. Weaver told colleagues the bill "offers nursing mothers an exemption from jury duty," and that codifying the protection in statute was needed because an administrative rule can be reversed more easily than law.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bill removes a practical barrier for young mothers who are still breastfeeding and that the change simply converts an administrative accommodation into permanent law. Opponents raised few objections on the floor; members from both parties described the change as a commonsense adjustment to reduce undue hardship on families.

What changed on the floor: The Senate first adopted a committee amendment that named the measure Parker's Law. A second, bipartisan amendment removed language that would have required a medical-provider attestation; the amendment instead allows a nursing mother to state that she is a nursing mother without producing a medical certificate. Weaver described that change as making the bill "much friendlier for nursing mothers" by avoiding the time and cost of obtaining a provider attestation.

Floor debate and support: Senators from both parties spoke in favor of the measure, framing it as protecting families and ensuring judges retain discretion. Senator Bell called for swift passage so the bill could move to the House; Senator Kelly emphasized child welfare and timely feeding as practical reasons for the exemption.

Votes and next steps: The Senate adopted committee and floor amendments and then passed the bill 31-0. The bill will be transmitted to the House for consideration.

Votes at a glance - SB 76 (Weaver) — Final passage as amended: 31 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.