FL H1301

Women inmates in state and county correctional systems who give birth up to 1 month before detention or within 9 months after detention must be allowed daily visitation with their newborn for 6 weeks post-birth, then at least 4 days per week until the child reaches 1 year of age

Qualifying women inmates must be permitted physical contact with their newborn children including holding, hugging, kissing, breastfeeding, and changing clothes, unless prohibited by security restrictions

Women inmates with newborn children cannot be relocated from their current Department of Corrections facility during imprisonment, except for medical/mental health treatment, classification changes, or access to required programs

Inmates with prior convictions for child abuse, sex crimes against children, or similar offenses listed in chapters 794, 800, 827, and 847 are prohibited from visitation with anyone under 18 unless approved by the warden or authorized by court order

The Department of Corrections and county sheriffs must adopt rules and model standards implementing these visitation and placement requirements; bill becomes effective July 1, 2019