Both the Senate and House are firm in backing their versions of the bill, as advocates look for a compromise.
By JENNIFER LIBERTO
Published April 15, 2004
TALLAHASSEE - The Senate is poised today to approve a measure asking voters to require parents to be notified before a minor gets an abortion, setting up a confrontation with the House over whether exceptions should be included.
The Senate on Wednesday amended the House measure (HJR 1) to include some exceptions for minors seeking abortions. The House refused to consider any exceptions.
Lawmakers from both chambers said they won't budge.
"Many of the folks in the Senate chamber are of the opinion that no bill at all is perfectly all right," Senate President Jim King warned Wednesday. "The House language right now is more permissive and it scares our members ... "
The proposal asks voters to amend the state Constitution to authorize the Legislature to pass laws requiring minors to get parental permission for an abortion.
The Senate wants exceptions written into the Constitution to prevent delays for abortions in cases such as rape and incest or to save a mother's life.
"We need to put something in there that will protect children of unfortunate circumstances," said Senate sponsor Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami.
But the House wants to keep the bill simple to prevent court challenges.
Last year, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a 1999 parental notification law because it violated minors' rights. In 1989, the court also struck down a 1988 law that required parental consent for minors seeking an abortion.
Bill co-sponsor Sandra Murman, R-Tampa, said she doubts the House will agree to exceptions but hopes a compromise can be worked out in conference committees.
The Senate version of the bill doesn't say who would qualify for the exceptions or how the exceptions would be applied. Diaz de la Portilla said the specifics would get worked out next year.
