Loading chat...
FL H0237
Bill
Status
Failed
3/8/2024
Primary Sponsor
Dianne Hart-Lowman
Click for details
AI Summary
- Cited as "Ava's Law," requires municipal and county detention facilities to notify arrested females of their right to request a pregnancy test if not released on bond within 72 hours; the test must be administered within 24 hours of the request
- Grants sentencing courts discretion to stay the beginning of incarceration for up to 12 weeks after a pregnant woman gives birth or is no longer pregnant, applicable to convictions for any offense
- Courts must consider specific factors before granting a stay, including offense severity, prior felony convictions, pending charges, public safety interests, victims' rights, and the health and safety of the unborn child; written justification is required if a stay is granted
- Within 10 days after the stay ends and incarceration begins, the woman must be offered a postpartum assessment by a licensed health care practitioner or telehealth provider, including medical tests, lactation support, and mental health services
- Requires the Department of Corrections and detention facilities to collect and publish quarterly data on their public website regarding stayed sentences, birth outcomes, pregnancy complications, and miscarriages, excluding personally identifying information; effective July 1, 2024
Legislative Description
Pregnant Women in Custody
Last Action
Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
3/8/2024
Committee Referrals
Criminal Justice Subcommittee11/2/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available