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Senate committee advances SB149 trigger amendment to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned after extended debate and mixed testimony
Summary
Senate Bill 149, a 'trigger' amendment to prohibit abortion if U.S. Supreme Court precedent changes, passed the committee after extended debate, medical testimony opposing the bill, and personal testimony from proponents; senators probed exceptions for medical emergencies and timing for emergency contraception.
Senator Jason Raper presented SB149, described in the hearing as the Arkansas Human Life Protection Amendment, which the sponsor characterized as a "trigger" measure that would prohibit abortion in the state if and when the U.S. Supreme Court overturns or substantially narrows Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Raper read findings that reference Arkansas constitutional Amendment 68 and past state actions, and said the bill includes a narrow exception to "save the life of the mother in a medical emergency." He framed the measure as reflecting the will of Arkansas voters and urged committee passage.
Committee members asked detailed questions about the bill’s scope and language.…
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