HI HB1232

Authorizes incarcerated mothers who are pregnant or have children under six months of age to either directly breastfeed their children or express milk for storage and delivery, with the Department of Public Safety required to provide necessary accommodations for milk expression, freezing, storage, and delivery.

Allows pregnant inmates or those with children under six months of age to elect commitment to a correctional facility located in their home county where they had permanent residence, occupation, or employment prior to incarceration.

Requires the Hawaii Paroling Authority to provide free prescription and over-the-counter contraception to all parolees upon their release from incarceration.

Cites research showing incarcerated mothers who breastfeed experience improved mental health outcomes, lower recidivism rates, and that infants benefit from developmental, digestive, and immunological properties of breast milk.