H.B. 988 - Next Step Act Summary

• Amends driver's license revocation law to require a court finding that a person is able to pay before suspending a license for failure to pay fines, penalties, or costs; adds automatic restoration after 12 months of revocation for non-payment cases.

• Creates comprehensive protections for incarcerated pregnant women and postpartum inmates, including restrictions on restraints, invasive searches, and restrictive housing except in limited circumstances; requires adequate prenatal nutrition and hygiene products.

• Modifies prisoner placement policy to prioritize locating inmates within 250 miles of their permanent residence and within 125 driving miles when practicable, while considering security, programs, mental and medical needs, and family contact.

• Requires local jails to transfer health information and medical records to state prisons when transferring inmates; appropriates $3,200,000 for inmate telemedicine mental health services.

• Directs Secretary of Public Safety to conduct a comprehensive study within one year on medical release and extended limits of confinement for ill, disabled, and geriatric inmates, including data on approval rates, denials, and recommendations for improvement.