Bill > HB2235

This bill addresses the treatment of pregnant prisoners in local and regional correctional facilities in Virginia. The legislation prohibits the use of restraints on pregnant prisoners, except in specific circumstances where a deputy sheriff or jail officer makes an individualized determination that the prisoner poses a risk to herself, others, or is likely to flee. If restraints are deemed necessary, they must be the least restrictive possible. The bill requires careful documentation of any restraint use, including immediate notification of a supervisor and submission of a detailed report. Additionally, the legislation mandates special considerations for pregnant prisoners, such as providing appropriate nutrition, assigning them to the lowest available bed, and allowing newborns to remain with mothers after delivery unless a healthcare professional determines there is a health or safety risk. The bill also requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to include specialized training for deputy sheriffs and jail officers about the care of pregnant prisoners, covering topics like the impact of restraints, restrictive housing, and body cavity searches on pregnant individuals. This legislation extends protections previously only applied to state correctional facilities to local and regional correctional facilities, aiming to ensure more humane treatment of pregnant prisoners.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2235