HB230 Summary

• Prohibits use of leg or waist restraints on pregnant women and women in the immediate postpartum period (6 weeks after childbirth), except when woman poses immediate flight risk or risk of harm and cannot be reasonably contained by other means.

• Restricts strip searches of pregnant women to prohibit squat and cough procedures by custodians unless contraband is suspected; allows such searches only if performed by health care professionals.

• Requires pregnant women to undergo urine pregnancy testing within 72 hours of intake if they report suspected pregnancy, and prohibits vaginal examinations except by health care professionals.

• Mandates expeditious transfer of pregnant women temporarily held in county jails to state penal institutions, with Department of Corrections and sheriffs required to make reasonable efforts to facilitate transfer.

• Requires documentation within 2 days of any use of restraints or solitary confinement on pregnant or postpartum women, with details reviewed by officer in charge and retained for reporting purposes.