HB57 Summary

• Prohibits use of restraints on pregnant prisoners in Alabama Department of Corrections or law enforcement custody from pregnancy confirmation through postpartum recovery (12 weeks or longer as determined by health care professional).

• Allows exceptions only when: prisoner is immediate flight risk not preventable by other means, poses immediate serious threat of harm to self or others, or health care professional determines restraints medically necessary for prisoner safety.

• If restraints are used under exceptions, only least restrictive restraints permitted; specifically prohibits ankle/leg/waist restraints, hands restrained behind back, four-point restraints, or attaching prisoner to another prisoner.

• Requires corrections officials or law enforcement to submit written report within 30 days of restraint use to Commissioner of Corrections, Warden of Julia Tutwiler Prison, and health care professional, documenting facts, reasoning, type/duration of restraints, and physical effects observed.

• Mandates annual compliance reports to Senate and House Judiciary Committees; requires prisoner notification within 48 hours of pregnancy confirmation; establishes prisoner violation reporting process; and requires development of training guidelines covering pregnancy complications, restraint exceptions, and safe application methods.