This bill would make assisted suicide a crime and would provide a penalty. The purpose or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the sanctity of human life is of the utmost importance and that the welfare of the citizens of the state requires that vulnerable persons be protected from suicide. A physician, surgeon, podiatrist, osteopath, osteopathic physician and surgeon, physician assistant, nurse, nurse anesthetist, dentist, or pharmacist licensed pursuant to Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975. The act or instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally.
Assisted suicide is a Class C felony.
The provisions of this act are severable. If any part of this act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, that declaration shall not affect the part which remains. All laws or parts of laws which conflict with this act are repealed. Although this bill would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds, the bill is excluded from further requirements and application under Amendment 621 because the bill defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.