FL S0524

Prohibits restraints on pregnant prisoners during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery (up to 24 hours after delivery) unless a corrections official determines an extraordinary circumstance exists, such as substantial flight risk or significant security concerns.

Bans leg, ankle, and waist restraints on any pregnant prisoner in labor or delivery under all circumstances, and restricts these restraints during the third trimester unless documented security reasons justify their use.

Requires restraints to be applied in the least restrictive manner necessary and mandates written findings within 10 days explaining the extraordinary circumstance justifying restraint use; findings must be retained for at least 5 years.

Allows pregnant prisoners to file grievances for restraint violations and grants a 45-day extension if requested in writing, while preserving the right to pursue additional federal or state law remedies.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice to adopt rules by September 1, 2012, and mandates that correctional institutions inform female prisoners of these policies upon admission, include them in prisoner handbooks, and post them in visible locations.