HB 1523 Summary

• Prohibits restraints on pregnant, laboring, or post-partum inmates and detainees unless they present a substantial flight risk or extraordinary medical or security circumstances exist

• Requires leg or waist restraints be removed during labor and prohibits leg restraints on pregnant inmates not in wheelchairs, beds, or gurneys; only soft forward-facing restraints may be used

• Grants final decision-making authority on restraint use during labor to physicians, nurses, or obstetric healthcare providers; facilities must document in writing the justification for any restraint use within 10 days

• Requires correctional and detention facilities to establish policies providing pregnant inmates with prenatal vitamins, hygiene products, undergarments, lower bunks, and access to educational programming on prenatal care and parenting

• Mandates the Department of Correction report any use of restraints during labor to the Board of Corrections and Attorney General