HB 2138 Summary

• Requires the state to provide comprehensive benefits to pregnant women barred from obtaining abortions, including compensation for medical, legal, and living expenses related to pregnancy and birth.

• Entitles women to automatic eligibility for public assistance programs including temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental nutrition assistance, nurse-family partnership services, and child-related tax credits.

• Mandates assignment of a case manager from the Department of Economic Security to monitor pregnant women monthly and ensure access to prenatal care and available state services through the child's birth.

• Provides additional compensation for funeral expenses if the woman or child dies, disability-related medical costs, congenital abnormality care for the child's lifetime, health insurance costs until age 18, and a fully funded college savings plan.

• Allows women to pursue civil action against the state for compensable and punitive damages if they die from pregnancy or childbirth, or suffer a miscarriage; makes fathers who accrue over $5,000 in child support arrearages subject to criminal penalties including up to three years imprisonment.