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2019 SESSION

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SB 1772 Pregnant prisoners; use of restraint.

Introduced by: Richard L. Saslaw | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Restraint of pregnant offenders. Requires the Board of Corrections to review its standards related to allowable restraint practices for pregnant prisoners to ensure that (i) pregnant prisoners are treated humanely and restrained in a manner that accounts for their specific health needs and (ii) such restraint procedures provide adequate protection for the safety of correctional staff and others who may be in close proximity to such prisoners.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Restraint of pregnant offenders. Provides that restraints shall not be used on any prisoner committed or transferred to the Department of Corrections or any inmate incarcerated in a local correctional facility who is known to be pregnant, unless an individualized determination is made that the prisoner is a flight risk or danger to herself or others or that the totality of the circumstances creates a serious security risk. The bill provides that if such individualized determination has been made, such prisoner or inmate shall be restrained in the least restrictive method necessary but in no instance shall waist chains or belts or leg or ankle restraints be used at any time. The bill also provides that any time it is determined that restraints are needed, security staff shall notify a supervisor as soon as reasonably possible, and a use of force report indicating the reason for the use of restraints and type of restraints shall be submitted to a supervisor no later than the conclusion of the shift for review and justification.