May 10, 2005

The House Children and Families Committee approved a new version of Senate Bill 2 after holding a hearing on the bill earlier today. As passed by the Senate, the bill included a number of components relating to the regulation and funding of abortions and abortion-related services. The House opted to delete a number of components, generating controversy among anti-abortion lobbying interests in the Capitol.

In crafting its new bill, the House committee excluded expanded restrictions on and verification obligations for the use of public funds to subsidize abortion-related services. It also deleted language suggested by some to preclude the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer, as well as new data reporting requirements for abortion procedures.

The House Committee Substitute creates a new definition of “medical emergency” in the abortion law, limits who may intervene on behalf of a minor in a court proceeding regarding abortion consent and creates civil liability for assisting a minor in getting an abortion without required parental consent.

The Senate Financial, Governmental Organizations, and Elections Committee held a hearing today on a large bill dealing with a host of occupation and professional license issues. The committee plans to hold a vote on House Bill 665 today.

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