‘Woman’s Right to Know,’ teacher background checks close to passage

Two pieces of legislation that have moved around the halls of the State House for years may finally come to fruition during this year’s session.

Sen. Albert Lipscomb, R-Magnolia Springs, said Senate Bill (S.B.) 333, known as the “Woman’s Right to Know” bill was expected to pass the Senate March 12 or 14.

Lipscomb, who cosponsored the legislation, also anticipated passage in the House of Representatives. The bill would specify that certain medical information be made available before an abortion could be performed, require information about alternatives be made available and provide for a 24-hour waiting period.

Sen. Bill Armistead, R- Columbiana, shared a similar victory as Lipscomb this year as S.B. 21 passed the Senate. The bill would require background checks on all school employees who have unsupervised access to children.

As of press time S.B. 21 was headed to the House for consideration. Both bills have been debated in the Legislature since 1995.