Legal experts say Texas abortion bill probably unconstitutional
AUSTIN — Texas’ latest proposal to restrict abortion rights is likely to land the state back in court, constitutional law experts say.
A bill offered by Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, would require all women to show government identification to get an abortion and add restrictions to the legal process minors use to get an abortion without parental consent. The ID provision in particular is unprecedented and could be seen as an undue barrier to the procedure, legal experts say.
The bill passed the House last week after hours of debate. Its Senate sponsor, Republican Charles Perry of Lubbock, said Tuesday that he was considering making changes to address concerns raised in a committee hearing on the bill. The committee voted Tuesday to approve the measure without changes, and it next goes to the full Senate for a vote.
Supporters say they aim to “close loopholes” in the current judicial bypass process that allows those younger than 18 who may have suffered abuse or neglect to get an abortion without notifying a parent.
Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/headlines/20150519-legal-experts-say-texas-abortion-bill-probably-unconstitutional.ece