The Alabama Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would exempt nursing mothers from jury duty for up to two years.

SB76, amended to be known as Parker’s Law, was brought forth by Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, to codify what was established by a recent administrative order passed down from the Alabama Supreme Court which states “that a nursing mother of an infant child clearly qualifies for the excuse from jury service” under state judicial code.

“We know that administrative rules can be easily reversed with the stroke of a pen,” Weaver said.

“We just feel that this gives them [nursing mothers] the protection that they need.”

This legislation comes in response to claims from several Alabama mothers that they were harassed and threatened by Jefferson County judges for bringing breastfeeding babies with them for jury duty.

Kandace Brown said last month she was even threatened with DHR for bringing in her three-month-old daughter Parker.

And this issue is not confined to Jefferson County, according to Weaver.

She said Tuesday that she had received at least 40 calls from nursing mothers who were going to be made to serve on a jury in Alabama.

Under SB76, if a mother can provide to the court a written statement certifying that she is a nursing mother, she would be exempt for up to 24 months, according to the bill’s text.

It was amended in the Senate to only require a written statement, instead of a written statement from a healthcare provider.

Sen. Bobby Singleton, D- Greensboro, said he appreciated Weaver working with him on the amendment to not require a medical certification so that the legislature could remove a “tedious” step that could cost some mothers money they can’t afford.

After the two years are up, the mother may be called to reappear for jury duty, per the bill’s text.

Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, has filed a similar bill in the House, HB209, that is currently pending action in the House Committee on Judiciary.

Brown has thanked Weaver and DuBose for their work on this legislation.

“I’m thankful that no other mother will have to experience this in the future,” she said.