H594 - Healthy Mother, Healthy Child

• Adds new Article 84C to Chapter 15A of North Carolina General Statutes establishing restrictions on use of restraints on pregnant prisoners and detainees during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.

• Prohibits restraint use on pregnant prisoners unless a corrections official determines an "extraordinary circumstance" exists (substantial flight risk or serious medical/security concern), with immediate removal required if medical staff requests it.

• Bans leg and waist restraints entirely during labor and delivery, and requires any restraints used to be applied in the least restrictive manner necessary.

• Requires corrections officials to document in writing within 10 days any extraordinary circumstances justifying restraint use, with records maintained for five years and available for public inspection (without individually identifying information).

• Appropriates $250,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Public Safety for policy implementation, education, and training, with all correctional facilities required to develop and implement rules within 30 days and notify affected individuals within 60 days.