Bill > HB1632

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) to further regulate the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant and postpartum inmates or detainees. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It requires correctional institutions to report each instance of restraint or placement in restrictive housing for pregnant and postpartum inmates or detainees, including details like the circumstances, length of time, and any physical or mental effects. 2. It prohibits the use of restrictive housing for pregnant and postpartum inmates or detainees, except as a temporary response to behavior that poses a serious and immediate risk of physical harm. Any such placement requires approval by the warden and a licensed medical professional, and extended periods beyond 7 days require further medical assessment and approval. 3. It limits other forms of discipline for pregnant and postpartum inmates or detainees, such as restricting phone use, visits, and commissary, but not time out of their cell. 4. It requires an informal hearing within 24 hours if an inmate or detainee's privileges are restricted, with certain procedural safeguards. The bill aims to protect the health and wellbeing of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals and their fetuses or newborns.