The bill, known as Parker's Law, amends Section 12-16-63 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to provide specific exemptions from jury service for nursing mothers. The new legal language inserted into the law allows an individual who is a nursing mother at the time of receiving a jury summons to be excused from service. To qualify for this exemption, the individual must provide a written statement confirming her status as a nursing mother, along with a certificate of birth or other official documentation verifying the birth of the child she is nursing. Additionally, the bill outlines that individuals excused under this provision will be exempt from jury service for a period of 24 months, after which they may be directed to reappear for jury service at the court's discretion.

The bill also revises the criteria under which individuals may request to be excused from jury service, replacing the term "person" with "individual" for clarity and updating the conditions for excusal. The previous requirement of demonstrating "undue hardship" has been expanded to include specific circumstances, such as extreme physical or financial hardship, incapacity due to mental or physical conditions, and public necessity. The language regarding documentation requirements has also been updated to ensure that individuals seeking an excusal must provide necessary evidence to the court. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-16-63, 12-16-63
Engrossed: 12-16-63, 12-16-63