Loading chat...
SC S0385
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/26/2025
Primary Sponsor
Tameika Devine
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a rebuttable presumption against immediate incarceration for pregnant or postpartum defendants (up to one year after pregnancy) charged with nonviolent offenses, requiring courts to make written findings if incarceration is ordered
- Allows deferred sentencing for pregnant defendants until 12 weeks to 12 months postpartum, with court supervision and participation in health, parenting, or behavioral programs during the deferment period
- Requires correctional facilities to provide pregnancy tests within 72 hours upon request, with results kept confidential and used solely for care and treatment purposes
- Mandates annual reporting beginning January 1, 2028 to the Department of Health and Human Services on incarcerated women statistics, including total number incarcerated, number pregnant, and number who declined deferred sentencing
- Makes medical information from pregnancy testing, prenatal/postpartum care, or behavioral health screening during pregnancy inadmissible in criminal prosecutions unless independently obtained through lawful means
Legislative Description
Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act
Last Action
Committee report: Favorable with amendment Corrections and Penology
3/11/2026
Committee Referrals
Corrections and Penology2/26/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available