MS HB196

Restricts use of restraints on pregnant inmates during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and 30 days postpartum, allowing exceptions only for flight risk or safety concerns, with written justification required within 72 hours

Requires newborns to remain with incarcerated mothers for 72 hours after delivery unless a health or safety risk exists, with necessary nutritional and hygiene products provided

Mandates placement of incarcerated mothers within 250 miles of their permanent address when possible, and allows minor children to visit at least twice weekly with contact visits authorized

Limits inspections by male correctional officers when female inmates are in a state of undress, requiring written reports when such inspections occur

Requires the Department of Corrections to provide feminine hygiene products to all incarcerated women and develop training for staff on pregnant inmate care, as well as educational programming for pregnant inmates on prenatal care and parenting