State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) and State Sen. April Weaver’s (R-Brierfield) efforts to make life a little easier for nursing mothers will see fruition on October 1, when Parker’s Law officially takes effect in Alabama.
Parker’s Law, passed during the 2025 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in May, exempts nursing mothers from jury duty for up to two years.
The measure originated after Alabama State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, who saw a disturbing Facebook post about a nursing mother’s experience, contacted lawmakers to raise awareness of the need for the legislation.
This prompted DuBose to carry the bill in the House Weaver to carry it in the Senate.
The catalyst for the law was the experience of Kandace Brown, a Jefferson County mother of five, who reported for jury duty in January with her 3-month-old daughter Parker.
Brown shared on Facebook that she had informed court staff she was breastfeeding and could not leave her baby but was told she still had to appear.
After several hours at the courthouse, she was excused but was told she could be called back once her daughter turned one. Concerned about facing the same issue while still breastfeeding, Brown made her frustrations public, drawing attention that helped fuel legislative action.
In a Facebook post, Brown later expressed her appreciation to those responsible for addressing her situation and supporting all Alabama breastfeeding mothers.
Parker’s Law is only one of several new laws that will take effect in Alabama on October 1, 2025.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.
